The University of Michigan Council for Disability Concerns’ Investing in Ability series of events will explore disability as a dimension of diversity.
The 2016 theme, “Diversity Includes Disability,” was selected by the committee to shine a light on the experiences of those living with disabilities.
more information
- Full list of Investing in Ability events
- Contact disability@
umich.edu for special needs
“When I think about how a person experiences the world, having a disability can have a profound impact,” says Anna Ercoli Schnitzer, Investing in Abilities committee chair. “For individuals with physical disabilities, activities of daily living may depend on accommodations — perhaps with a service dog, a wheelchair, a cane or walker, or a GPS to assist with directions to a ramp or an accessible door.
“And for individuals with invisible disabilities, such as chronic illnesses, mental health issues, or severe immunodeficiency conditions, societal attitudes and universal design can make a big difference in everyone’s quality of life, able-bodied people included.”
The range of Investing in Ability events presented in October and November also include popular favorites such as the opportunity to interact with service, assistance and therapy dogs.
Events include:
• Active Minds Panel Discussion, “Mental Health at U-M; Stories from Students,” 1 p.m. Oct. 7, Gallery, Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library
• 2016 U-M Army-Navy Wheelchair Basketball Game, with the U-M Dance Team and Cheer Team, Men’s Glee Club, U-M Tri-Service Color Guard and 338th Army Band. Doors open at 2 p.m. Oct. 9, Crisler Center. No tickets needed. For more information, go to wheelchairbasketball.umich.edu.
• “Intersectionality: Diversity Includes Disability” 1 p.m. Oct. 10, Gallery, Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, with Dr. David J. Brown, associate vice president and associate dean for health equity and inclusion, and associate professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery; Lisa M. Green, coordinator of Services for Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, TBI, Mental Health, and Autistic Spectrum Disorders; Dr. Michael M. McKee, assistant professor of family medicine, Medical School; Mary Jo Desprez, director, Wolverine Wellness: Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program; Jack Bernard (moderator), associate general counsel and lecturer, Law School and School of Education.
• Attorney Jason Turkish “Everyday Advocacy; Disability and the Law,” noon Oct. 13, Educational Conference Center, School of Social Work.
• Disability Justice Panel, 3 p.m. Oct. 20, Gallery, Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library.
Investing in Ability events are free, take place in accessible places, and everyone is welcome.
The free events are presented by the Council for Disability Concerns in collaboration with University Human Resources, the U-M Health System and University Health Service.
