Tag: Disability Rights/Advocacy/Policy

Engaging in Effective Policy Advocacy

Part of the disability policy and advocacy strand, this session will give attendees guidance about how to effectively engage in policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal level.

Disability Policy Part 2

This 2-part presentation is focused on the fundamentals, and unique attributes, of public policy, legislative proceedings, and agency actions that affect the disability community. Sessions will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities within the current public policy environment.

Disability Policy Part 1

This 2-part presentation is focused on the fundamentals, and unique attributes, of public policy, legislative proceedings, and agency actions that affect the disability community. Sessions will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of challenges and opportunities within the current public policy environment.

Everybody Wins When Everybody Works

Despite advancements in civil rights protections and non-discrimination laws, people with disabilities continued to be employed at much lower rates than their non-disabled peers. This unacceptable practice persists for many reasons, all of which need to end. It is well established that people with disabilities also experience higher rates of poverty. The only route out of poverty is WORK, yet we continue to deny individuals the opportunity for real work at real wages. Let's end this practice now and understand that when everybody works, everybody wins.

Learning Outcomes

  • Recognize and accept that employment opportunities are a right for everyone including individuals with significant disabilities.
  • Understand multiple strategies/approaches to employment and how to best utilize these to meet employment needs of individuals facing workplace barriers.
  • Generate 3 positive statements to support and encourage individuals to seek real jobs at real wages.

Cultivating Leadership in Disability Advocacy: Moving from Awareness to Action

This session will empower emerging disability advocates with the tools, confidence, and strategies needed to lead in the disability rights movement. By examining the intersection of disability advocacy and social justice, we will emphasize the urgency of advancing equity, access, participation, and rights. Attendees will gain insight into amplifying their voices, mobilizing communities, and driving systemic change. Through practical, actionable strategies, participants will leave prepared to foster leadership in themselves and others, ensuring a lasting impact that moves beyond awareness to meaningful action.

Learning Outcomes

  • Participants will discover how to step into leadership roles in disability advocacy, regardless of experience, by adopting social justice principles.
  • Participants will gain a deep understanding of the four pillars of social justice (access, participation, and rights etc.) and how these principles shape disability advocacy efforts.
  • Participants will learn actionable strategies to develop and foster leadership within themselves and others, enabling them to lead successful advocacy efforts in their communities.