More Information | Featured Speakers
Join us for our 8th biennial Adaptive Umbrella accessibility workshop! This virtual daylong workshop features interactive sessions about current accessibility topics, led by disability self-advocates and professionals working with the disability community. The day is geared to librarians, educators, and caregivers. Sign up on Bloomfield Township Public Library’s web calendar.
Agenda
10-11:30 a.m. (EDT)- Opening Keynote: Redefining Accessibility: A Disability Justice Approach**
Speaker: Lucy Trieshmann, Disabled Speaker, Writer, Activist, and Change-maker
This keynote will explore the fundamental principles of disability justice and why they require our unwavering commitment to accessibility in all forms. Accessibility refers to more than just the presence of a ramp but rather a fundamental shift in our conception of our presence in the world. We will learn what the disability justice movement is, how we as individuals are responsible for acting upon the movement’s principles, and explore concrete ways for taking action in our communities. By understanding what accessibility truly means, we can lay the groundwork for spaces dedicated to equity for disabled people as we collectively work towards an accessible, equitable future.
11:30-11:45 a.m. (EDT) – Break
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. (EDT) – From Audit to Action: Enhancing Accessibility in Library Spaces**
Speaker: Ani Grigorian, Disability Access Consultant, Detroit Disability Power
This workshop will dive into major components of accessibility auditing to improve the design and operations of library facilities to increase accessibility for a range of access needs. We’ll explore real-world examples of successful accessibility modifications, discuss what made them effective and how similar strategies can be applied to your own facilities. The session will also provide practical guidance on developing short-term and long-term strategies to enhance accessibility, and vetting accessibility service providers, to ensure that your library is inclusive and welcoming to all.
12:45-1:15 p.m. (EDT) – Lunch Break
1:15-2:15 p.m. (EDT) – The Language of Inclusion: Strategies to Support Implementation of Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC)**
Speaker: Christopher Bugaj, M.A. CCC-SLP
The number of individuals who use augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) devices to learn language is on the rise! Learn the basics behind how to support the implementation of these devices in literacy experiences and explore options for integration. We’ll discuss concepts fundamental to success including core and fringe vocabulary, how symbols support language acquisition, how communication partners can model usage, and how to obtain or create free or low-cost supports. You’ll come to find that AAC can be used to help teach any learner language! Leave with practical strategies for how to build inclusive experiences and environments by creating a culture of learning language with AAC.
2:15-2:30 p.m. (EDT) – Break
2:30-3:30 p.m. (EDT) – Closing Keynote: Disability in the Workplace
Speaker: Ryan Honick, Disability Advocate, Speaker, and Professional Persuader
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on creating truly inclusive work environments where every employee can thrive. This session will explore the nuances of reasonable accommodations, the challenges of disability disclosure, and practical strategies for fostering a workplace culture of respect and accessibility. Tailored for educators and librarians, this fireside chat will provide actionable insights and encourage active participation, empowering you to support diversity and inclusion in your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic discussion on shaping the future of workplace inclusion!
More Information
All live sessions will be on Zoom with CART, ASL interpretation, and verbal image description.
We understand attending a daylong virtual event can be exhausting, which is why we encourage you to think of this as a virtual workshop “menu.” We will share Zoom links for each of the sessions 3 days prior to the workshop.
Sessions marked with two asterisks (**) will be recorded. Recordings will be available to registered attendees for up to 2 months following the workshop.
Featured Speakers
Lucy Trieshmann
Disabled Speaker, Writer, Activist, and Change-maker
Lucy Trieshmann (they/she) is a queer, Disabled disability justice activist, writer, speaker, and lawyer. They are dedicated to intersectional, community-led change. After acquiring her disabilities in her final year at the University of Virginia, they were struck by the stark inequalities between their treatment before and after becoming Disabled. Determined to create a meaningful impact in this sphere, she decided to attend law school. During Lucy’s law career, they have strived for the visibility and valuation of disabled people in all facets of society. Lucy seeks to use her varied skills to enact sustainable, equitable change. Lucy is also an activist and speaker on issues of disability, queerness, abolition, and intersectionality. She has guest lectured at various universities, led organization-wide disability trainings, and spoken on numerous panels. They have also been quoted in Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, USA Today, Bloomberg, and more.
Ani Grigorian
Disability Access Consultant
Detroit Disability Power
Ani is a geriatric social worker turned accessibility consultant who has been managing DDP’s Disability Access Consulting (DAC) program since September of 2020. Ani specializes in designing barrier-free environments, and integrating accessibility in all of its forms into organizational and production-based operations. Major clients include the the City of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Bedrock Detroit, Huron-Clinton MetroParks, and the American Studies Association. Ani is passionate about preserving places of joy in Detroit, and ensuring that longtime, aging Detroiters can continue to access these spaces as the city develops and changes. Detroit Disability Power builds the organizing and political power of the disability community to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in Detroit and the Metro area.
Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC-SLP
Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC‐SLP is the Assistive Technology Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris co-hosts the Talking With Tech podcast featuring interviews and conversations about augmentative and alternative communication and has hosted The A.T.TIPSCAST; a multi‐award winning podcast featuring strategies to design educational experiences. Chris has authored and co-authored several books published by the International Society for Technology in Education, including The New Assistive Tech: Make Learning Awesome for All and The Practical (and Fun) Guide to Assistive Technology in Public Schools. He also co-produces and co-authors the popular Night Light Stories podcast which features original stories for children of all ages. Chris has presented over 650 live or digital sessions at local, regional, state, national, and international events, including TEDx.
Ryan Honick
Disability Advocate, Speaker, and Professional Persuader
Ryan is an award-winning disability advocate, speaker, and professional persuader with over a decade of experience ranging from work on Capitol Hill and federal government to positions with non-profits and global PR firms. His specialties include media relations, corporate communication, organizational branding, and crisis management. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, Ryan is an advocate for members of the disability community. Communication through education and an ongoing dialogue are at the center of his approach to combat stigma and stereotypes surrounding disabilities. Through various endeavors, both personal and professional, Ryan’s advocacy aims to raise awareness, influence public policy, and spur social change. Ryan’s advocacy has been featured in The Washington Post, FOX News, and the nationally syndicated column, Savage Love. Ryan’s work also earned him a spot on LinkedIn’s “Top Voices in Disability Advocacy” in 2022.