Access Is Justice: A Call for Intentional and Expansive Conference Access

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Access is a constant process and must be held as a conference imperative in order to examine complex educational issues and challenges holistically and effectively. Such a position would afford conference planners and attendees opportunities to ensure individual and collective access wherein normative expectations of what it means to propose and prepare for, attend, and reflect on such a large and influential conference are reimagined and reenacted. To be truly revolutionary, access cannot be an afterthought or something special to be asked for. Aligning with the call, this session focuses on how and why AERA needs to be an intentional and expansive access-centered conference. Feedback and steps forward for safeguarding that access at AERA is built in will be included.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Disability Studies in Education

Chair

• Lydia L Ocasio-Stoutenburg, Pennsylvania State University

Papers

• The Time Is Now: Understanding the Historical and Ongoing Nature of Accessibility Advocacy - Emily A. Nusbaum, University of California - Berkeley

• Conference Accessibility and Accommodation: Experiences and Recommendations From a Black Girl Scholar - Ajya Wilson, Wayne County Community College

• Planning Ahead: The Use of Accessibility Audits for Conference Development - Katherine C. Aquino, St. John's University

• Increasing Accessibility in Large Conferences Through Technology: A Proposal for Fostering Diversity and Inclusion - Suman Rath, Montclair State University

• Inclusive Horizons: Unlocking Accessible Conferences for All - Rebecca Reese, Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design; Amy Lomellini, Anthology Inc

Discussant

• Amanda L. Miller, Wayne State University