Date: Monday, July 24, 2023 8:30 AM- Monday, July 24, 2023 10:00 AM
Location: RESNA Conference 2023 New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70130
Lead/Instructor: Dr. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami (University of Michigan)

Abstract

Disability is regularly neglected in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion, yet it is the one demographic that we may all identify with one day. Therefore, disability should serve as a means of demonstrating that we are all much more similar than we are different. As a disabled, black, Nigerian, immigrant, cis-gender heterosexual, male, physician, athlete this presentation will talk about the intersectionality between all of those identities, striving to demonstrate that disability is not inability, and encouraging us to allow people to demonstrate what they can do, rather than attempting to limit them based on what they can’t. It will also hope to engage you all in an "outside of the box" dialogue about what each of us can do within our own spheres of influence to make sure we are not perpetuating ableism in our personal or professional lives or the work that we do on a daily basis.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the session each participant should...

- Have expanded their definition of what "Diversity" can mean. 

- Be able to acknowledge their own implicit biases when it comes to diversity (regarding disability, race, etc..)

- Learn how certain places are advocating to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion

- Leave with the understanding that disability doesn't necessarily mean inability, and with the desire to disseminate that knowledge throughout their respective professions and work