Monday, April 7th Sessions
Concurrent Sessions 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Advancing Collegewide Accessibility: Making Lasting Change Despite High Turnover
Ballroom
Michelle R. Nario-Redmond, Alexia Kemerling, and Ceara Nario-Redmond
A tight-knit, diverse liberal-arts college seems like a natural fit for disability justice. However, high administrative turnover and changing student demographics complicate sustained activism. This presentation describes a 10-year journey for improved accessibility and curricular inclusion, leveraging our successes and failures at mitigating ableism through collective actions for concrete change.
The Next Frontier: Disability Access in the Criminal Justice System
Room 302
Jenifer Montag and Benjamin Wright
Thirty-eight percent of the population in US prisons have disabilities. The next frontier for disability advocacy is the US justice system, from police to prison to reentry. Hear a justice-impacted disabled scholar and a DS professional describe the barriers and explain opportunities for accessibility and inclusion found in this new frontier.
Cultivating Access to Agriculture: Traditional & Urban Agriculture for All Abilities
Room 340
Laura Akgerman, Yiyun Lin and Alvin Wilkerson
This session explores the diverse landscape of agriculture in Ohio. Ohio AgrAbility will provide insights into traditional farming practices and the resources available for farmers with disabilities. The Ohio State University Urban Agriculture team will delve into the growing field of urban and suburban agriculture, highlighting community-driven initiatives and accessible gardening opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Discover how to cultivate your passion for agriculture, regardless of your background or ability.
Concurrent Sessions 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Supporting Disabled College Students Experiencing Barriers to Access
Room 140
Ali Martin Scoufield
More disabled students are entering higher education annually, yet remain underrepresented in overall enrollment and have lower graduation rates. This engaging session will blend theory, research, and practice to center the experiences of disabled students and examine barriers they are experiencing when entering college.
Working Together: How Higher Education and Private Industry Can Advance Accessibility
Room 302
Peter Bossley and Cristian Uribe
With over 18 years of professional technology experience, over 11 of which have been directly focused on digital accessibility, I will present perspectives on how public entities such as higher education institutions can approach and motivate accessibility improvements in their procured technology services. I will also share approaches that vendors can take to meet their customers needs in the most efficient model possible.
Cultivating Access to Agriculture: Ohio AgrAbility Project & Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities - A Partnership for Farmers with Disabilities
Room 340
Laura Akgerman, Rachel Jarman, Sarah Jordan and Christine Mason
Join us for an insightful session exploring the powerful collaboration between the Ohio AgrAbility Project and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Discover how we work together to empower farmers and agricultural workers with disabilities to maintain and thrive in their chosen careers. Whether you're a vocational rehabilitation professional, an agricultural service provider, or simply interested in the power of assistive technology, this session will provide valuable knowledge and practical strategies. Join us to learn how we're cultivating independence and empowering individuals to thrive in the heart of Ohio's agricultural community.
Concurrent Sessions 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
Empowering Minds through People-Centered Leadership and Universal Design
Room 140
Theresa Haskins
Explore the transformative impact of psychologically safe and people-centered leadership combined with universal design and neurodiversity principles. Discover how these approaches can create inclusive, adaptive, and supportive environments in educational institutions and workplaces, ensuring everyone can thrive. Join us to learn practical strategies that not only promote accessibility but also celebrate the many ways individuals learn, work, and contribute to their communities.
Accessing Imagery: An Introduction to Audio Description and Alt Text
Room 302
Jane Ehrenfeld and Katie Frederick
An introduction to the why and how of Audio Description and Alt Text and understanding the differences between the two. Interactive exercises will help participants to begin to understand how to craft audio descriptions and alt text. A resource list will be made available to attendees.
Cultivating Access to Agriculture: Disability Employment and Community Engagement in Agriculture, Horticulture and Food Production
Room 340
Tina Garriott, Elizabeth Heiser, Lisa McCutcheon and Bobbi McKee
This panel discussion features representatives from organizations that actively employ and advocate for individuals with disabilities in food production, agriculture, horticulture, and animal care. Panelists will share their organizational missions, employment practices, success stories, challenges, and advice for those seeking to create similar opportunities in their communities.
Plenary Session 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Student Life Disability Services Student Panel: From Access to Belonging
Blackwell Ballroom
Taite Calhoun, Arnold Bangudi, Brett Zawatsky, Christina Martin-Smith, Mia Marcellana, Salem Gore, Ashlee Sizemore, Jackson D'Amico
Moderator: Heidi Aune
Join us for an engaging session where the Ohio State Student Life Disability Services office reflects on over 50 years of creating access on campus. A panel of students will discuss their lived experiences of our campus’s commitment to disability access and empowerment, highlighting how they have cultivated a sense of belonging. Panelists may explore both campus progress points and areas for growth based on their encounters within and beyond the classroom. From accessible infrastructure to fostering a sense of belonging, let’s collectively honor students’ experiences to shape the future of our campus.