For decades the U-M Council for Disability Concerns has produced an annual series of events, previously named Investing in Ability. The events have been renamed Disability Community Month to more closely capture the council’s mission to raise awareness of disability topics on campus and in the community. The events include speakers, demonstrations, films, and the presentation of the James T. Neubacher Award.
Toward An Anti-Ableist Academy Conference: Throughout October
This year we are highlighting the virtual conference series "Toward an Anti-Ableist Academy."
This series was co-organized and supported by many campus groups including:
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Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
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Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI)
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Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) / Student Accessibility and Accommodations Services (SAAS)
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Disability Culture at University of Michigan (DC@UM)
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Council for Disability Concerns (CfDC)
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The Student Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Board (IDEA Board)
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Rackham Graduate School (RGS)
The conference invites the campus community to learn more about creating a welcoming University climate that actively works toward embracing disability culture and experiences. Ableism is defined as discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities and/or people who are perceived to be disabled.
These virtual events encourage open dialogue and discussion with students, staff, faculty, and disability experts, providing opportunities to learn about best practices that ensure the disabled community can fully participate in campus life at the University of Michigan.
Please learn more at the conference website.
If accommodations are needed, contact cfdc-admins@umich.edu with as much advance notice as possible.
Neubacher Awards: October 29
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Time: 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
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Location: Zoom
Established by U-M’s Council for Disability Concerns, the James T. Neubacher Award is a memorial to university alumnus and columnist for the Detroit Free Press who advocated for people with disabilities. The Ceremony (31st since the Awards were established) is intended to recognize those members of the U-M community (faculty/staff/students/alums) who have gone above and beyond their ordinary duties in work related to accessibility, advocacy, and anti-ableism.
DEI Summit, Parallel Pandemics: Addressing Structural Racism in the Age of COVID-19: October 11
The parallel pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism have synergized to create a moment in our nation’s history where we must decide if our corresponding actions will be transformative or repetitive of the past. Now more than ever, we must simultaneously challenge our current reality and innovate to create what our future will be.
Help spread the word about Disability Community Month Events!
Here's how you can help:
- Plan to attend one or more of the events.
- Invite colleagues to join you