The Makings of a Disability Justice Team: An Exploratory-Workshop

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 11:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: From ‘SPED’ to Solidarity: Unforgetting Exclusion and Imagining Disability-Just Futures in K-12 Education

Abstract

This study examines a participatory workshop aimed at shifting organizations from compliance-based disability practices to a Disability Justice approach. Held with 36 staff at a children’s therapy center, the workshop used a Word Cloud and Matrix Activity to explore perceptions of disability and assign participants one of four reflective leadership roles. Participants reported greater self-awareness, role clarity, and appreciation for shared leadership. Reflections emphasized the fluidity of roles, value of distributed responsibility, and importance of inclusive practices. The adaptable matrix tool supported stronger communication, advocacy, and equity. Overall, the study suggests that structured, reflective activities can foster individual growth and drive organizational culture change by embedding Disability Justice into team dynamics.

Authors

• Dave White, University of Nevada - Reno

• Randall Owen, University of Nevada - Reno