ESU to Host The 25th Annual Through Their Eyes Conference, April 5

East Stroudsburg University will welcome Dr. Eddie Coyle, Michael Freeman, and members of the So Much to Give Café as speakers at the 25^th Annual Through Their Eyes conference on Friday, April 5. The conference speakers will share rich experiences in overcoming attitudinal, physical, and cultural barriers as well as sharing how a business can create employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“This year’s speakers will carry on the tradition of delivering messages of hope and inspiration about life and the path to success and achievement in society,” said Domenico Cavaiuolo, Ph.D., professor of special education and rehabilitation.

The conference, which will be held at the University’s Innovation Center from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., aims to give those in attendance a personal perspective from people with disabilities that is unique, according to Dr. Cavaiuolo.

Dr. Eddie Coyle received a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from West Chester University and a Ph.D. in sports medicine and adapted physical education for special education students in grades K-12 from the University of New Mexico. His accomplishments include earning a gold medal at the Paralympics in weightlifting in 1972 and 1976 and graduating from the International Olympic Association (IOA) in 1977 in Athens, Greece. Dr. Coyle has conducted many international talks on the history and philosophy of the Olympic Games. His presentations span around the world including Madrid, Spain; Athens, Greece; Budapest, Hungary; Finland; Estonia; Prague of the Czech Republic; Beijing, China; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Mals, Italy among others. Coyle is himself a person with a disability and will speak specifically on the treatment of athletes with spinal cord injuries, physical disabilities, visually impairments and blindness, and athletes that have hearing impairment and deafness.

Michael Freeman is an abstract artist with a vision impairment, known as tunnel vision. His paintings feature tactile components and texture so that his artwork can be felt by others with visual impairments. He states, “My work is a way for me to push my limit with my eyesight and allows me to use my art as a creative outlet.” Freeman has exhibited his art in several exhibitions throughout the Lehigh Valley, and in various publications. In addition to being an artist, Freeman is a mental health advocate and is affiliated with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). He is a certified peer-to-peer specialist, a certified crisis family-to-family specialist and a peer specialist supervisor. Some of Freeman’s artwork will be on display at the conference.

The So Much to Give Café is an inclusive café in Montgomery County, Pa. that was created by the community and for the community, with the purpose to serve as a public location that seeks to bring all people together and provide everyone a chance to enjoy each other’s skills and abilities in an accessible environment. Centered around an inclusive and supportive model, the Café seeks to provide a safe and empowering location for individuals with disabilities to work, socialize, learn and dine with peers in their community. From various offerings including workshops, game nights, themed activities, live music and more, the Café hopes to continue cultivating a location that brings people together in a naturally developing environment. This community environment is centered around the simple concept of things we all love – food, friendliness, and family. Staff, with and without disabilities, will discuss their experiences and the benefits of work and acceptance.

“The Through Their Eyes conference is intended to provide the audience with an understanding that people with disabilities are contributing members of society capable of accomplishing great things, despite their challenges,” Cavaiuolo said.

The conference is open to the public and it is free of charge. For more information contact Dr. Cavaiuolo at (570) 422-3893, or dcavaiuolo@esu.edu

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