Universal Accessibility Interest Group

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Charge: Offers librarians, support staff, students, and other advocates networking and collaboration opportunities, information sharing and programming to promote accessibility in academic libraries, including web accessibility, assistive technology, reference and instruction for users with disabilities and captioning processes.
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ODLOS Program: Unpacking Ableism and Embracing Disability Identity (July 28, 1pm)

  • 1.  ODLOS Program: Unpacking Ableism and Embracing Disability Identity (July 28, 1pm)

    Posted Jul 15, 2025 10:51 AM

    Hi All!

    I'd like to invite you all to attend a free professional development event on Monday, July 28th from 1:00 to 2:30 pm Central Time, presented by ALA's Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS). Details and link to register below. Hope to see some of you there! 

    Unpacking Ableism and Embracing Disability Identity

    July marks a significant moment for the disability community as we celebrate both Disability Pride Month and the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This program will examine the multifaceted nature of ableism, including its institutional, interpersonal, and internalized forms. Participants will delve into the history of the disability rights movement and its evolution into today's intersectional disability justice movement.

    This webinar aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of their personal or relational connections to disability and the pervasive impact of internalized ableism on everyone. Also featured will be perspectives from library workers across ALA sharing lived experience through a facilitated conversation.

    Register now to reserve your spot!

    Main Presenter: 

    Bri Beck, LCPC, ATR (she/her) is a mixed-media artist and licensed art therapist whose work explores the intersection of body and environment. Living with a rare form of dwarfism, Bri uses her art to examine how the built environment influences connection or tension, offering insight into experiences of accessibility and identity. In her private art therapy practice, Bri specializes in supporting clients within the disability community, focusing on complex medical trauma, health anxiety, self-esteem, self-advocacy, and the psycho-social aspects of living with a disability. As a consultant, she trains therapists, educators, and healthcare providers on implementing disability-affirming and anti-ableist practices. 

    ALA Panelists:

    Brittni Ballard (she/her), Learning Technologies Librarian at Towson University

    Brad McKenna (he/him), Technology Librarian at Wilmington Memorial Library

    Katie Quirin Manwiller (she/her), Education Librarian and Assistant Professor, Westchester University

    Accessibility:

    Real time captioning and ASL interpretation provided. For additional accessible service requests, reach out in advance to hpearson@ala.org or 312.280.5020 with details and your best contact information.



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    Hillary Pearson
    she/her/hers
    Program Manager, Accessibility Services, Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS)
    American Library Association
    P: (312) 280-5020
    hpearson@ala.org
    www.ala.org | www.ala.org/diversity
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