Making Spaces Inclusive & Accessible: A Conversation on Intellectual Disabilities & Equity

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Description

Explore the unique needs and obstacles of students and workers living with intellectual disabilities, within the broader context of equity and transformative shifts in public health systems.

Through a series of firsthand accounts and narratives, attendees will gain insight into the lived experiences of individuals with ID and the complex challenges they encounter in educational and professional spaces. By elevating these voices, the webinar aims to facilitate a more empathetic and informed approach to crafting equitable solutions.

Contributors

Lawrence Hayes - Moderator

Lawrence Haynes is the Program Manager for Racial Equity for the Center for Public Health Policy at the American Public Health Association where he focuses on managing and supporting the Healing Through Policy initiative. Mr. Haynes is also a PhD student at Howard University studying Higher Education Leadership & Policy
Amy Price

Participated in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida. She competed in track & field. She also just finished competing at 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin!
Amy lives in Fort Smith, AR and works at Abilities Unlimited in Van Buren, AR. She has competed in marathons and is very involved in Special Olympics Arkansas' Athlete Leadership and Health Messengers programs.
Ashley Glears

The Chapter Associate for The Arc of the United States. She assists nearly 600 chapters with supporting people with IDD and their families by enhancing stakeholders and chapter leaders' knowledge on best practices in nonprofit governance. At birth, Ashley Glears was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy. Because of her disability, she attended countless speech, physical, and occupational therapy sessions. Despite having a disability, she remained confident that one day she would help children, adolescents, their families, and the community.
She began the realization of this life goal by first earning her greatest achievements. Ashley earned an associate degree in general studies at Montgomery College (MC) in Maryland, moving on to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Then she attended Trinity Washington University and earned a master’s degree in education specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. She is also the 2018 National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing Communication Excellence Award recipient. Recently, Ashley earned a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University. She has a passion for problem-solving and creating simple, elegant solutions to complex problems
Brittany Owens

A dedicated advocate, currently serving as the Senior Associate for Policy and Advocacy at The Arc of the United States. Brittany’s federal policy portfolio includes overseeing critical areas such as maternal health, health equity, and voting rights.
A strong believer in equity, Brittany has a proven track record of creating impactful equity programs in her previous professional endeavors. Brittany has a diverse professional background that spans philanthropy, community investment, tax and budget policy, grant writing, fundraising, and case management, she brings a wealth of experience to her current role.
Brittany earned her master’s in social work from the University of Maryland Baltimore. Her commitment to making a positive impact on society is reflected in her career, where she consistently strives to advance policies that promote fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all.
Jax Bayne

A Latinx Lived Experience Educator and Neurodivergent Peer Support Service Coordination Specialist with autism, located in the Pacific Northwest. They have been an international guest speaker at Autscape and Autminds, as well as a local guest presenter at Whatcom Community College on the subjects of Queer Healthcare, Developmental Trauma, and Neurodiversity. They recently founded Gryffin Core, a small business offering information about neurodivergent wellness, social service coordination, disability services, and peer coaching both locally and globally.

Thank you

Description

Contributors

Lawrence Hayes - Moderator

Amy Price

Ashley Glears

Brittany Owens

Jax Bayne