Burton Blatt Institute and the Humanities Center Host Two Virtual Syracuse Symposium Events Focused on Disability and Future Thinking

Hilary Weaver

On Oct. 22 and 23, the Burton Blatt Institute (BBI), housed within the College of Law, and the Syracuse University Humanities Center, whose home is the College of Arts and Sciences, are hosting two virtual events on disability and future thinking. Both events are part of Syracuse Symposium, the Humanities Center’s annual public events series. This year’s programming engages the meaning and impact of “Futures” from diverse perspectives and genres across a range of locations, locally and globally. The events also honor and contribute to National Disability Awareness Month, celebrated each year in October.

“The two-day ‘Futures’ event is an excellent opportunity for those involved in social work, members of the disability community and Indigenous community, and many other individuals and groups to examine methods of change to positively impact those with disabilities,” says Diane Wiener, research professor and associate director of interdisciplinary programs and outreach at BBI. “July 26, 2020, was the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); the two-day ‘Futures’ event could not be more timely. Professor Weaver brings years of expertise and experience in multicultural, Indigenous-centered social work to our collaborative discussion on the future of the disability community and thoughtful, practical ways to imagine and create a more inclusive and accessible world. We are honored and thrilled to have her join us, virtually.”

“(Dis)ability Futures and Indigeneity: Critical Epistemologies for Social Change”
Virtual lecture on Oct. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. ET

Guest Speaker: Professor Hilary Weaver, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, University at Buffalo

In mainstream thinking, disabilities are frequently perceived as deficits, emboldened by values borne out of colonization. In this lecture, Weaver instead draws on traditional Indigenous understandings, wisdom, and knowledge to answer vital questions. What can the United States and the rest of the world learn to change our future, by making disabilities and other differences understandable, without applying a deficit model? The future does not need to be as hierarchical as the present.

RSVP by Oct. 16 to receive the link to the event.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and live captioning will be provided. Please indicate any other accommodations requests when RSVPing.

“The Medicine Wheel as a Framework for Understanding Disabilities: Informing Our Future Thinking, Informing Our Future Actions”
Virtual workshop on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon ET

Guest Speaker: Professor Hilary Weaver, associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion, University at Buffalo

The Medicine Wheel is a powerful symbol for many Native Americans and it contains many layers of meaning. In this workshop, Weaver explores how components of the Medicine Wheel can be used to understand traditional Indigenous ideas about disabilities. Participants will engage with relevant Native American teachings and interpretations to understand how these ideas can shift our understanding of different abilities of Mind, Body, Spirit and Heart. Discussion focuses on how, as individuals and more broadly, we can work toward change, reduce stigma and “othering,” and forge a better future in our shared world.

RSVP by Oct. 16 to receive the link to the event.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and live captioning will be provided. Please indicate any other accommodations requests when RSVPing.

Note: a special opportunity for NY State licensed social workers, the School of Social Work Continuing Education Program is offering free continuing education (CE) contact hours for these events. If you are eligible and interested in obtaining free CE’s for this event, please express interest when you RSVP. Earn up to four Continuing Education contact hours on Oct. 22 (2 CEs) and Oct. 23 (2 CEs). Syracuse University School of Social Work is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0106. Please visit the Falk College website for more information.

Additional supporters of the two-day symposium are the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics; the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; the Department of Religion; the Native American and Indigenous Studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences; and Native American SUNY: Western Consortium.