Multiple Perspectives on Access, Inclusion & Disability: Disability as Context

This annual meeting hosted by The Ohio State University is intended to serve as a catalyst for positive change and a springboard for collaborations with our partners in education, business, public, and social service. Each year a series of workshops will provide a forum for individuals and organizations to expand their knowledge and perspectives, and an opportunity to increase community resources through the synergy of collaboration. The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants.

Some of the workshops are listed below; get more information and register at the conference website.

Monday, APRIL 19
10:00 – 11:30 am...Why do we need College Programs for Students with ID? Florida’s Legislation to Increase Employment Outcomes through College
Speakers: Senator Andy Gardiner and Camille Gardiner, Orlando, FL

11:45 – 1:15 pm...Student and Family Perspective of Attending Inclusive Postsecondary Programs
Presenters: Jack Lafrance, Sandy and John Lafrance, Nicole Roche
Session Moderator: Jessie Green, Program Manager, Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University

2:15 – 3:45 pm...Legislative Thoughts on Inclusive Postsecondary Education in Ohio
Presenters: Mary Lightbody, Erica Crawley, Senator Andrew Brenner and Representative Catherine Ingram 
Session Moderator: Christine Brown, Clinical Research Assistant, The Ohio State University

Tuesday, APRIL 20
10:00 – 11:30 am...Increasing Employment Services and Outcomes for Students with ID through Collaboration with VR
Presenter: Russell Thelin, MS, LVRC CRC
Session Moderator: Kristin Garrett, Program Administrator, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

11:45 – 1:15 pm...Access for ALL: How Postsecondary Education is Creating STEM Career Pathways for Individuals with IDD
Presenters: Diane Weinbrandt, Jessie Green

2:15 – 3:45 pm...Sustaining Postsecondary Programs: Perspectives from Program Directors
Presenters: Jessie C. Green, Program Manager, Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University
Jan Goings, Director, Transition and Access Program, College of Education, Criminal Justice, And Human Services, University of Cincinnati
Mandy Mernedakis, Program Coordinator, Columbus State Community College
Mary Ella Bauer, Pioneer Pipeline Coordinator, Marietta College
Session Moderator: Andrew Buck, Learning and Development Consultant, The Ohio State University