Presenters: Brian Gorman, Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid; Melissa Ruggiero, Neighborhood Legal Services; Adam Sledd, Recovery Support Services Director-Unity Recovery

Stigma is both a label and a stereotype and contributes to active discrimination against an individual or population. Terms like addict and abuse universally evoke a negative response that can lead to and reinforce stigma. Learn positive language to effectively communicate with your client to gain their trust and defend them before judges to get the best possible outcome.