Disability as Diversity 2011-2012
2011 - 2012 Theme Disability as Diversity
The Disability as Diversity theme, inspired by the mission of Penn State’s Disability Studies program, was to considers the social, experiential, and symbolic meaning of bodily and mental disabilities. The key goals of the “Disability as Diversity” theme were to examine and provoke discussion about the values and assumptions involved in the various explanatory models of disability (e.g., medical, social, cultural, and historical); to promote an understanding of disability is a natural part of human diversity that expands and enriches all our lifeworlds; questioning the illusion of the perfected body/mind: and arguing that a just and inclusive society must provide for the full and equal social participation of all individuals, regardless of their place in the continuum of abilities and disabilities.
Theme Events:
Wretches & Jabberers, April 24, 2012
Our Wretches & Jabberers event brought the two stars of the film Wretches and Jabberers to campus. The event included a viewing of the film Wretches and Jabberers, which chronicles the international advocacy work of Larry Bissonette and Tracy Thresher, individuals on the autism spectrum who were at one time considered “retarded” and who now use facilitated communication and a question and answer session with Larry and Tracy, followed by a reception and more opportunity for talk.
Wretches and Jabberers (from www.wretchesandjabberers.org)
Dr. Douglas Biklen Talk: "Abandoning Intellectual Disability: The Case for Presuming Competence"
April 5, 2012
Research talk by Dr. Douglas Biklen, Dean of Syracuse University’s School of Education, pioneer in the area of facilitated communication and co-producer of the film Wretches and Jabberers. His talk relates specifically about the presumption of competence, a concept of his that has impacted both educational research and practice for students with learning differences.
Please visit itunesU for details of Dr. Biklen's talk. (Go to the College of Education site and then to DCEC)
Disability as a Diversity Resource Table. October 20, 2011 
As part of our year-long focus on "Disability as Diversity, on October 20, 2011 the DCEC hosted an informational table in the atrium of Chambers. With assistance from PSU librarian Karla Schmidt, the group provided a display illustrating the wide range of materials available to support k-12 learners with diverse needs. Over 100 PSU students and faculty stopped by to examine the materials and engage in dialogue with DCEC members about "disability as diversity."
Other 2011 - 2012 Events:
Diversity Town Hall For COE Faculty, May 3, 2012
The Office of Multicultural Programs and the College’s Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee (DCEC) hosted a diversity-focused Town Hall for College of Education faculty.
Diversity Town Hall For COE Graduate Students, November 4, 2012
The Office of Multicultural Programs and the College’s Diversity and Community Enhancement Committee (DCEC) hosted a diversity-focused Town Hall for College of Education graduate students.