Disability Storytelling 10 am-5:30 pm on Zoom, Friday April 11

What is Disability? What are the support systems for Disability Communities? How do we support Disability as a Culture in our Institutions, and how do we create access? All of these questions are important aspects to creating Disability Justice and require the voices of People with Disabilities. Join us for this day of “Disability Storytelling” as we amplify the voices of People with Disabilities––declaring… “Nothing for Us without Us!” 

Please note that an in-person option for the panels may become available. If you are interested in attending in person, please be sure to indicate it on the registration form.

ASL and CART services will be provided.

Schedule

Vets on Campus  10-11 AM

10 am: Vets in Limbo: The Challenges of Obtaining VA Disability Benefits 

Presented by Jenni Thomas

This presentation will dive into the experiences of veterans seeking disability benefits through the Veterans' Administration (VA). Drawing on a comprehensive literature review and in-depth data analysis, I will explore the common challenges faced by veterans during the claims process. Key themes examined will include the lack of VA staff training, acquiring information from community members, and inadequate respect for veterans. Additionally, I will discuss the implications of these findings and ideas for improving the veteran experience. This presentation will end with the study limitations.

10:15 am: Veterans on Campus: A panel and discussion 

Presented with Michael Wishnie, Jenni Thomas and Kenya Loudd 

Organizations supporting and uplifting PWDs: An International Glance 11 AM- 12 PM

A panel discussion with members from an array of national and international organizations including LuanJiao Hu, Emily Weltman, Aspen DeVillier, Nadia Ahmed, Graziela Reis, Luz Ocasio, Chyrell Bellamy, Mark Costa, Kimberly Guy, and Sokny Onn. Moderated by Farhan Shakeel.  

Considering Neurodiversity 12-1 PM

A panel discussion including researchers and artists. Panelists include Jules Vivid, Pussypaws Puppetry, Jennifer Carpenter, Abigail Coover, Dorothy Howard, Lane Rasberry and will be moderated by Patricia Fritze.

Disability Programs, Minors and Departments: A National Glance  1-2 PM

A panel discussion on the complexities of Disability Studies minors, programs and departments. Panelists are Mara Mills, Emily Beitiks, and Mikila Salazar. Panel organized and moderated by Sarah F. Rose, Director of the Minor in Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington.  

Student-led Activism on Campuses 2-3 PM

Student panelists include Katie Sullivan (Vanderbilt University), Campbell Mitchell (Yale University), Moira Armstrong (Rutgers University), Max McClure (University of Texas at Arlington), and George Karadzhov (Yale University). Moderated by Angélica Gutiérrez-González and Jiya Pandya.

Looking Forward: Planning for the 5^th Annual Symposium for Disability and Accessibility at Yale 3-4 PM

An open discussion led by Kenya Loudd

Fitness, Sports, and Recreation for PWDs 4-5:30 PM

4 PM: Addressing Health Disparities for People with Disabilities 

Presented by Brendan Aylward 

In this presentation, we will explore the critical issue of accessibility in fitness and recreation through a multidisciplinary lens, emphasizing the importance of creating authentically inclusive environments for individuals with disabilities. While the Americans with Disabilities Act has led to significant progress in addressing inaccessible physical structures, societal and systemic barriers to achieving optimal health outcomes still persist. These obstacles are often rooted in ableism and misconceptions about disability. 
 
We will examine models of disabilities, universal design for learning frameworks, the economic value of inclusion, and the implementation of inclusive sport and fitness environments. Join us as we discuss actionable strategies to move beyond compliance and make inclusion the expectation, not the exception.  

4:30 PM: A Guide for Athletic Inclusion Focused on Women with Disabilities 

Presented by Jenni Thomas 

This presentation explores the historical context of women's sports and the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities in athletic participation. By examining the intersection of disability experience, sports culture, and Self-Determination and Achievement Goal theories, I aim to provide a comprehensive guide for fostering inclusive athletic environments. Through narratives from women athletes and practical tips, I will delve into strategies for overcoming barriers, promoting self-efficacy, and fostering a supportive athletic community. Ultimately, this presentation seeks to inspire action and advocate for greater inclusion of women with disabilities in sports. 

4:45 PM: Empowering Lives Through Sport: The Impact of Adaptive Athletics

Presented by Judi Dawson and Bob Babbitt

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which provides support to athletes with physical disabilities in pursuing their athletic goals, will share their experience and belief on how sports can transform lives.  They will discuss the transformative power of adaptive athletics, exploring how participation in sports fosters self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. By highlighting impactful stories of athletes who have overcome challenges and achieved remarkable feats they will illustrate the critical role inclusive sports plays in breaking down barriers.

5:00 PM: Collective Discussion and Q&A 

Collective Discussion and Q&A moderated by Madeleine Ware and Samantha Benvissuto