Session Details

Session 1: April 16th, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.

But I’m a Disability Services Professional: Ableism in Our Offices

Presented by Jen Dugger Spalding (Portland State University) and Jewls Griesmeyer Krentz (Portland State University)

Our work in Disability Services is essentially to interrupt, minimize, and eliminate as much systemic ableism as we are able so that students can fully participate in, enjoy, and be successful at our institutions. We know ableism is insidious and it shows up in nearly every aspect of our society. So why is it so hard for us to realize that, even with our good intentions and even through our hard work, we too put up unnecessary barriers in front of disabled students? Ableism thrives in traditional Disability Services practices but it doesn't have to in your office. Come be part of this important discussion.

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Session 2: April 16th, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Affecting Change by Example: Best Practices for Designing Our Own Digital Content with Accessibility in Mind

Presented by Michele Bromley (Portland State University)

We’re all generating and publishing digital content in some capacity, especially during this unprecedented period of primarily online engagement. As accessibility professionals, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to make our digital content the example that galvanizes institutional change toward more inclusive online environments.

If we are telling faculty and staff that their content should be proactively accessible and that universal design for learning is the standard, then the digital resources they get from us should reflect that. This presentation will cover the basic visual and structural considerations we must take into account when authoring digital content with accessibility in mind.

This session has been pre-approved for CRC CEUs.

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Session 3: April 16th, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Wellness Session I: Mindful Self-Caompassion

Presented by Kate Gallagher (Oregon State University)

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a secular, contemplative method created to foster presence, care and support for ourselves when we need it most - in the face of a challenge, loss, and suffering - whether the difficulty is our own or that of a student, colleague, or loved one. This method has made prominent contributions to the growing body of research on self-compassion - a skill demonstrated to support psychological well-being, optimism, resilience, reduced anxiety and depression, more caring relationships and reduced caregiver burnout. This session will include a presentation, discussion and interaction, and experiential dimensions.

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Session 4: April 16th, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Student Perspectives on Covid

Panelists include Sam Gensler (Lewis and Clark College), Matthew Mahoney (Willamette University), Ira McKinzie (Portland Community College), Nat Orr (Lewis and Clark College), and Laila Pickett (Willamette University)

Students from various ORAHEAD-affiliated institutions will participate in a moderated panel. Topics will focus primarily on disability-related experiences from a student perspective as related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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Session 5: April 23rd, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Wellness Session II: Chair Yoga

Presented by Jocelyn Darshana (Oregon State University)

Take a moment to take a break from the busy demands of our work and practice some self-care with a Chair Yoga session. Jocelyn will also provide some guidance on at-home strategies for finding some alternatives to postural yoga.

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Session 6: April 23rd, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Examining Documentation Requirements through an Equity Lens

Panelists include Eileen Dowty (Lewis and Clark College), Jewls Griesmeyer Krentz (Portland State University), and Carol Raymundo (Linn-Benton Community College)

Representatives from a public university, a private college, and a community college will engage in a discussion about the role of documentation in the interactive process. What is documentation? When do we use it during the interactive process? Why do we need to address the impact of our practices on our students and institutions? Where do our practices fit within the larger sociopolitical context of disability? And, finally, how our practices can further social justice and equity?

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Session 7: April 23rd, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

The Need is Great: Preventing a Return to Campus from Being a Return to the Status Quo

Presented by Kaela Parks (Portland Community College)

Join a conversation about implementing institutional changes based on lessons learned from the past year. We’ll start with a recognition of the limitations inherent in the traditional accommodation approach to disability in higher education. From there, we’ll touch on what Star Ford described as deep accessibility, then move into some common topics, and how they might look different depending on our stance. Rounding out the discussion will be an opportunity to share examples of how we can support our colleagues in resisting a return to the status quo as we move into more sustained re-opening of our on-site spaces.

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Session 8: April 23rd, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

ORAHEAD Virtual Social Hour

Presented by ORAHEAD Board

Join with colleagues from across the state to make connections with each other, share thoughts and ideas, and have some fun.

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