Registration is open for Amplifying Voices of Disability on Feb. 22, a new, virtual event from the Institute for Human Development (IHD) that provides a platform for disability activists and self-advocates to discuss topics that matter to them.
Housed at NAU for more than 50 years, IHD is one of the nation’s premier University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Its mission is to ensure that all Americans, including Americans with disabilities, are able to participate fully in all life experiences.
The virtual day of learning aims to change perceptions about disability by addressing timely, pressing issues with speakers who are well-known disability activists and self-advocates with lived experience. Topics include communication and disability representation, disability as a culture, best practices when meeting individuals with disabilities, being an effective ally and advocate and embracing one’s disability identity.
Presenters include Emily Ladau, disability rights activist and writer; Toni Saia, assistant professor and director of the Rehabilitation Technology Certificate Program at San Diego State University; Nina G, comedian, author and professional speaker; Rasheera Dopson, IHD’s inclusive excellence fellow and disability justice consultant, researcher and influencer; and Karla Rivas Parker, assistive technology specialist with the Arizona Technology Access Program at IHD. Also presenting are IHD’s assistant director of academic programs Sakénya McDonald and Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration’s assistive technology coordinator Sue LeHew.
For those who are interested, NAU is offering up to six continuing education credit hours to attendees.
Amplifying Voices of Disability will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 on Zoom. The cost is $79 for those who register before Feb. 1 and $99 after. Learn more and register on the IHD website.