Former Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum, the first woman with a disability to win the national pageant crown, will be a featured speaker at the Women and Disabilities Conference hosted by Wayne State University's Developmental Disabilities Institute. The annual event is set for Sept. 22-24at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.

Also speaking at the three-day conference will be Congresswoman Debbie Stabenow and Detroit Free Press columnist Yvonne Duffy, who writes about disability issues. Among others participating as speakers or panelists will be Vernice D. Anthony, senior vice president of community health for St. John Health System; Mildred Jeffrey, women's issues and labor activist; Sylvia Menifee, Eastern Division director for the Michigan Department of Career Development-Rehabilitation Services; Marianne Udow, senior vice president of health care products and provider services for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan; and Nancy Ward, self-advocacy proponent who is the coordinator for Oklahoma People First.

McCallum, a former Miss Alabama who reigned as Miss America in 1995, and Duffy will speak during a 4:30-6 p.m. Sept. 22 session on "Using Gifts, Talents and Skills." McCallum, who is hearing impaired, will discuss her "Success Through Action and Realization of Your Dreams" program. Duffy, a wheelchair user, will relate how she has dealt with special physical challenges.

In addition to guest speakers, the conference will feature skill-building and informational workshops on a variety of topics related to disabilities. There also will be an art gallery, a job fair, a supports and resources fair, a video room and exhibits.

General registration is $200, which includes all conference sessions, two breakfasts, three lunches and two evening receptions with food and music. Single-day registration is $75. Admission to the job fair, 12-3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, is free. For more information and reservations call the institute at (313) 577-2654.