Noted psychologist and television adviser Gordon L. Berry, EdD, will speak at the National Multicultural Conference and Summit 2003, "The psychology of race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and disability: celebrating our children, families and seniors," to be held Jan. 23-24 at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, Calif.

Held every two years, the conference seeks to bring national attention to psychological issues affecting people of color and other minority groups and to provide networking opportunities for psychologists in these groups. The January conference will:

* Focus on theory, research and practice issues of race, gender, sexual orientation and disability.

* Explore how these sociodemographic variables intersect, converge and diverge.

* Raise awareness of difficult dialogues between racial and ethnic minorities, gay men and lesbian women, people with disabilities, and men and women, as well as within these groups.

* Study the effect of language (verbal, sign, etc.) on all groups and concentrate on methods and strategies that must be implemented to reduce bias, prejudice and discrimination related to these groups.

Berry, professor emeritus at the University of California, Los Angeles, is best-known for his work on children's television shows, including "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids" and "Barney and Friends." His talk will focus on "Developing children and multicultural attitudes: the systemic psychosocial influences of television portrayals in a multimedia society."

Another highlight of the 2003 conference will be the unveiling of new research on psychometrics for people of color, says psychologist Steven E. James, PhD, chair of the conference's coordinating committee. "The field is starving for these," adds James, a member of Div. 44 (Society for the Psychological Study of Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues).

Amy Hill--whose film and television credits include "Next Friday," ABC's "My Wife & Kids," NBC's "Friends," and the Comedy Central series "Strip Mall"--will also be a featured speaker at the event. She will discuss the transracial adoption of her daughter Penelope.

Another speaker, Terry Cross, of the Seneca Nation, will discuss "Culture as a resource for strengthening families," using the "relational worldview model." Cross has written curricula on Native American issues and co-authored "Toward a Culturally Competent System of Care," published by Georgetown University. Also, neuropsychologist Martha Banks, PhD, of ABackans DCP Inc. in Akron, Ohio, will discuss "Disability in the family: a lifespan perspective."

Workshop and symposium topics at the conference--hosted by APA's Div. 44, Div. 17 (Counseling), Div. 35 (Society for the Psychology of Women), and Div. 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues)--will include:

* "Worldview in the African-American family: implications for practice."

* "Results of the National Gay and Lesbian Experiences Study."

* "When diversity becomes the norm: about disability and sexual orientation."

* "Dementia caregiving intervention: intersections of gender, sexual orientation and culture."

* "Head injury and the Hispanic patient: assessment and treatment issues."

In addition, APA's CEO-elect Norman B. Anderson, PhD, will be honored at a reception on the eve of the summit.

For information on attending the conference, log onto www.multiculturalsummit.org, or contact Wendy Anderson at (626) 683-8243; e-mail: wowproductions@earthlink.net.

--N. CRAWFORD