Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) and its partners are excited to announce the 14th Annual African American Conference on Disabilities (AACD).
\n\nAs a preview to the in-person conference in June\, a virtual seminar will kick off during the month of February in honor of Black History Month.
\nThis is a FREE event.
\n\nBut we are accepting donations for scholarships for families to attend the in-person conference on June 13\, 2025.
\n\nYou only need to register once and the link works for all four sessions.
\n\nInformation about the four sessions is below.
\n\nFor more information\, contact Renaldo Fowler\, \;rfowler@disabilityrightsaz.org
\n\nIf you need reasonable accommodations\, contact \;nlunarose@disabilityrightaz.org
\n\;
\n\n\;
\n\n\;
\n\nPresenter: \;Vernon Morris\, Associate Dean\, Knowledge Enterprise and Strategic Outcomes\, Arizona State University
\n\n\;
\n\nSynopsis: \;What are the connections between environmental change and disability?
\n\nThere are many possible implications of environmental change on increasing the prevalence of disabilities in east African populations. It is well established that climate change can lead to increased exposures to vector-borne disease\, parasitic infections\, water-borne toxics. Conflict and forced migration can also cause extensive ecological disruption and environmental changes that amplify environmental risk factors that might induce disabilities (blindness\, muscle atrophy\, neurological disorders\, etc.)\, as well. The panel would examine these and other challenges at the intersection of environment and disability.
\nTitle: Beyond the Study: African American Disability Experiences Leading Change in Research
\n\nPresenter: \;Sakénya McDonald\, PhD\, \;Director of Interdisciplinary Education and Training at the Institution for Human Development\, Northern Arizona University
\n\n\;
\n\nSynopsis: \;This dynamic and interactive session explores ways African Americans with disabilities can shape research that matters to our community. The discussion highlights why personal stories\, and lived experiences need to be at the heart of equitable disability-related research. Participants will discover ways to effectively partner with organizations and professionals to create meaningful change that reflects real \;community priorities. Learn how your voice and advocacy can help build better disability research and support services. This presentation emphasizes ways to ensure African American disability perspectives are heard and valued.
\n\n\;
\n\nPlain language:
\n\nThis talk shows why the stories of African Americans with disabilities are so important. Your daily life and what you go through matters a lot. You'll learn easy ways to work with groups in your area to make things better. Speaking up about what you need can help others get better support too. Come learn why your voice and ideas are needed to make real changes in our community.
\n