For Immediate Release
March 21, 2003

MOUNT HOLYOKE STUDENT GROUP BRINGS NATIONALLY TOURING PHOTO-TEXT EXHIBIT, "NOTHING TO HIDE: MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE FAMILY" TO CAMPUS

South Hadley, MA—Mount Holyoke College's ADAPT, the Ableism and Disability Awareness Planning Team, is working to dispel harmful stereotypes, myths, and misconceptions about a wide-range of psychiatric disorders by bringing "Nothing to Hide" to campus March 27, 2003-April 10, 2003, 8 AM to 9 PM in the Kendade Atrium. The creators, the Family Diversity Projects, describe this exhibit as a collection of museum-quality photographs and interview texts that tell the moving story of twenty individuals and their families whose lives are affected by mental illness. The range of disorders includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, and generalized anxiety.

Nothing to Hide provides people coping with mental illness and their families an opportunity to come out of the shadows and into the public eye. Created by Family Diversity Projects, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Amherst, MA, this powerful and moving exhibit travels nationwide to schools, colleges, corporations, libraries, and faith houses. Nothing To Hide consists of photographs by Gigi Kaeser and text from interviews conducted by Jean Beard and Peggy Gillespie. The compelling stories of children, siblings, parents, grandparents, and extended family members demonstrate strength, courage, integrity, and accomplishment in the face of adversity and stigma. Edwin H. Cassem, MD, Chief of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, praises the exhibit saying, "The stigma of mental illness is worldwide and stifling. It prevents the sick from seeking help. Nothing To Hide aims to eradicate prejudice and discrimination based on mental disability. It is a project whose hour has come."

Kimberly McMahon, a senior at Mount Holyoke who has been part of ADAPT since its inception three years ago, hopes that "having the exhibit of this type on campus will facilitate discussion about mental illness across disciplines and give people an opportunity to learn more about these families. This exhibit will help bring awareness and understanding of mental illness and those who are affected by it."

Since its formation, ADAPT has undertaken projects to raise awareness about accessibility on campus and hidden disabilities affecting community members. Some of the group's projects include a signage campaign that called attention to the physical accessibility of campus buildings, placing facts in the dining halls, and their own version of the popular game show "To Tell the Truth." In conjunction with the photo-text exhibit, the group is bringing some of the families to campus to speak about their experiences. This talk will be held Wednesday, April 9th at 7:00 in the Kendade Atrium, which is wheelchair accessible. Sign language interpretation will be provided. Shannon Lenz, another senior who has been part of the group since its inception explains, "The stories of these families are very moving. Having heard some of them speak at a local book release last semester, it is hard to forget their personal accounts."

This exhibit is possible due to support by the Dean of Students Office, Dean of the College Office, Office of Communications, Psychology Department, Health Services, the Student Government Association, and the Weissman Center for Leadership.

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