Adler University’s Tenth Annual
Abilities Symposium
Disability
and Social Justice
Wednesday, Oct. 26
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People with disabilities can sometimes — often unintentionally — be left out of social justice efforts. Adler University’s Tenth Annual Abilities Symposium will explore the different ways that accessibility for people with disabilities is a vital aspect of
social justice work.
The in-person and virtual Abilities Symposium is sponsored by
Adler University’s Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program and Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy Department, with support from Office of Student Affairs and Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
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Disability and Social Justice
Keynote Talk:
Noon-12:50 p.m. CDT/10-10:50 a.m. PDT
Available in Chicago's Community Hall and Zoom
Rachel Arfa, commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities in Chicago, will present an overview of accessibility, defining social justice using an accessibility framework, and the role of advocacy in creating a more accessible city.
Recorded, real-time captioning provided, and wheelchair accessible.
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Expressive Arts and Social Justice Adaptive Methods in the Arts:
Personal Reflections on Community Engagement and Socially Responsible Advocacy
1-1:50 p.m. CDT/11-11:50 a.m. PDT
Available in Chicago's Community Hall and Zoom
This session will include presentations by artists Reveca Torres and Tara Ahern, along with artwork from students in the Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy program.
Recorded, real-time captioning provided, and wheelchair accessible.
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Concurrent Session 1:
Accessibility in Higher Education
for Students with Disabilities
2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. CDT/Noon-12:50 p.m. PDT
Available on Zoom
Author Jay Dolmage, Ph.D., professor at the University of Waterloo, will lead a discussion to address the ableist attitudes, policies, and practices that are built into higher education, and develop strategies and tools that create more accessible classrooms and campuses. Dr. Dolmage published his book, “Academic Ableism: Disability and Higher Education,” in 2017.
recorded and real-time captioning provided.
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Concurrent Session 2:
Accessibility for Individuals with Disabilities in the Workplace
2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. CDT/Noon-12:50 p.m. PDT
Available on Zoom
The session is a discussion led by Adler alumni from the Master of Arts in Counseling: Specialization in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program. The speakers will talk about current vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, including best practices, success stories, and obstacles.
Recorded and Real-time captioning provided.
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Student Allyship and
Community Building
5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. CDT/3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. PDT
Available on Zoom
All Adler students are invited to join this facilitated conversation, where they will explore alongside fellow students with disabilities what it means to be in a community and serve as an ally with colleagues with disabilities.
real-time captioning provided.
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The symposium began in 2013 at the Chicago campus as an event to foster a deeper understanding of disability and inclusion. Its primary focus is on ability, resilience, and resources that promote inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of the community and in the workplace.
Accessibility for Attendees with Disabilities
If you require additional accommodations to fully participate in the symposium, please contact Adler’s Disability Services at DisabilityOffice@adler.edu as soon as possible. Attendees are welcome to take a break as needed as all of the events,
except the evening session, will be recorded.
Virtual accessibility: Attendees are welcome to have their cameras on or off – whatever they prefer.
In-person: Community Hall is accessible to wheelchair users and those who need to avoid stairs. Fidgets and art supplies are available for those who need them, and assistive listening devices (headsets and neck loops) are also available by request. For more information on the symposium and to request additional accommodations, email DisabilityOffice@adler.edu.