Reclaiming disability as diversity through education and advocacy is the theme for the second annual Disability Pride week, sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. From April 17-22, the University will celebrate people embracing their full identities, including disabilities, which can mean something different to everyone.
“It is exciting once again for Syracuse University to host a robust calendar of events and activities during Disability Pride week. We will come together to honor the lived experience of disability and disability identity as a proud part of our full and diverse identities,” says William Myhill, director of disability access and ADA coordinator in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
The campus community is invited to participate in a variety of events, both on-campus and virtual, coordinated by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Cultural Center, Center for Disability Resources, Center on Disability and Inclusion and the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach in the Burton Blatt Institute to celebrate and learn from people with disabilities and their lived experiences.
The featured event on Wednesday, April 19, will be keynote speaker, Eddie Ndopu, described by Time magazine as “one of the most powerful disabled people on the planet.” Ndopu is perhaps best known for his human rights advocacy with respect to advancing disability justice at the forefront of the international development agenda.
Some of the other events featured during this week include the following:
“Disability Pride Week is a brilliant way for disabled students, staff and faculty to build community on campus, while simultaneously raising awareness for unaware nondisabled individuals,” says Alexis Wilner ’24, a drama major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and a member of the disability event planning committee. “As a disabled student myself, I value the presence of such an event supported by University offices and organizations. Rather than simply saying that the University supports marginalized individuals, this is one of many ways that they have shown a commitment to accessibility and inclusion.”
“By attending and participating in Disability Pride Week events, we hope that members of our campus community develop a strong understanding of disability culture and recognize how vital disabled students’ sense of community and culture are to their positive identity formation,” says Carrie Ingersoll-Wood, director of the Disability Cultural Center. “By participation in events, we hope that our community members come to understand that by building a diverse, inclusive and vibrant campus, they will set a trajectory for celebrating and validating disability as global citizens in their future professional career spaces.”
In addition to the events planned for Disability Pride Week, the University community can visit the Disability Pride Space on the first floor of the Schine Student Center, for a schedule of events and information on campus resources related to disability, access and inclusion. Free T-shirts and other giveaways will also be available for those who stop by.
“We will be showing clips from current and historical videos related to disability pride and history,” says Christine Ashby, director of the Center on Disability and Inclusion in the School of Education. “Visitors will be invited to add a message or image to a legacy book we are creating to honor Judy Heumann and her leadership in disability rights advocacy and activism.” Heumann, who passed away on March 4, 2023, was an author, disability rights leader, founder of the World Institute on Disability, former assistant secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, former special advisor on disability rights for the U.S. State Department, and subject of the documentary “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.”
For more information and for resources that are available year-round, visit Accessible Syracuse and the Disability Cultural Center website and Instagram account for upcoming events.
