AIDS Czar to Appear at Conference

by Doug Ebeling

Senator James Jeffords will host a day-long conference on HIV and the workplace on Friday, August 25 at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier.

The conference’s focus in the issues faced by those living with HIV who return to work after being on disability. Workshop topics include accommodation, benefits and insurance considerations in returning to work, confidentiality issues, new treatment options, along with vocational counseling.

This is “a chance to make a serious commitment to doing more around employment issues for people living with HIV,” said Greg Voorheis, chair of conference planning. It “gives Vermont an opportunity to really move ahead.”

Though the workshops are aimed at the needs of vocational counselors, case managers, and health care providers, there will also be a panel designed to address consumer issues. This panel will include speakers who will share their personal experiences of working and HIV.

Another major highlight is the scheduled appearance of keynote speaker Sandra Thurman, the director of the Clinton Administration’s Office for AIDS policy. Ms. Thurman is slated to appear at a free reception in Burlington on the evening of August 24.

The conference is sponsored by a variety of Vermont State agencies, among them the UVM College of Medicine, and groups such as the Vermont PWA Coalition, the Vermont AIDS Education and Training Center, the Vermont HIV/AIDS Consortium, and Fletcher Allen.

The August 24 reception at which Thurman will speak is being held at the Radisson in Burlington, and is free and open to the public.

The conference on August 25 at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier is $30 in advance, $40 on the day of the event.

Registration information is available by contacting Lori Yarrow at Vocational Rehab, at (802) 241-2201. Scholarships for consumers are available through the PWA Coalition. Call (800) 698-8792 for information or visit their Web site at www.vtpwac.org.