Disability Justice: Driving Authentic Change Towards Action
Are we doing enough within our policies to not just accommodate, but also uplift people with disabilities?
On Wednesday, March 27, join the Bloustein School for an important conversation as we collectively work towards dismantling barriers and building a society where everyone can thrive. Attendees will gain valuable insights into creating spaces celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion, and ensuring that we all play a significant role in developing an inclusive and just society.
Our annual DEI Lecture will critically assess the systems that seekto build inclusive communities. From access to health equity, discussants will navigate the landscape of inclusivity, shedding light on areas that demand attention and reform.
The lecture will serve as a call to action for students, organizations, and policymakers to examine their roles in driving authentic change. It seeks to foster a deeper understanding of disability justice and its impact on health equity, policy development, and community building. By giving voice to the lived experiences of people with disabilities and examples of disability justice at work, we aim to catalyze tangible strides toward a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Guest Speaker: Jashar “Shar” Banks ’23, Advocate and Mental Health Specialist, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
Panelists: Recipients of Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant 2021-22, 2022-23: Jennifer M. LeComte, D.O., Associate Professor, Rowan-Virtua SOM, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Medical Director, Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center and Wendy F. Aita, Ph.D., Co-Director, Rowan-Virtua Regional Integrated Special Needs (RISN) Center and Behavioral Health Lead.
Additional comments will be provided by Patti O’Brien Richardson, Bloustein School Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer / Committee Chair and Associate Teaching Professor; Roni Woitovich, Bloustein School MPAP Student with Disability Studies concentration; Javier Robles, professor, Rutgers Kinesiology and Health Department, Co-chair of the Rutgers University Disability Studies committee and director, Center for Disability Sports, Health and Wellness at Rutgers University.
