Disability Equity by Design Series - Part 2: Disabled By Design

This is Part 2 of a three-part webinar series that will examine how disability is framed in society and explore the power of design to promote equity. Throughout this series we will discuss concepts that shape the disability experience as well as practical applications to the online environment that contribute to equitable learning experiences. Drawing from disability studies, we will answer the following questions:
1. How is disability framed in society and in education?
2. How does design perpetuate stereotypes?
3. How can online environments promote equity?

Part 1: Re/Framing Disability – Wednesday, May 6th at 1pm ET (separate registration required)
This 60-minute webinar will introduce participants to prevalent models of disability. We
will explore how disability is framed in society, specifically in language, media, and design.

Part 2: Disabled By Design – Wednesday, May 13th at 1pm ET
The disability experience is shaped by the dynamics of power and privilege. This 60-minute webinar will explore prevalent stereotypes about disability and how design choices can both perpetuate or combat these damaging ideas.

Part 3: Equitable Online Environments – Wednesday, May 20th at 1pm ET (separate registration required)
Emerging thinking about disability suggests that disability is created by the design of our
environments. This 60-minute webinar will explore strategies to maximize access and inclusion in online learning environments.

Format:
This three-part series will be comprised of three 60-minute webinars. Webinars are designed ideally to be taken in sequence but can be taken individually.

Audience:
Designers, administrators, and other professionals interested in expanding their thinking on disability.

Speaker Bio

Dr. Amanda Kraus
Assistant Vice President for Campus Life, Executive Director for Disability Resources, and ADA/504 Compliance Officer – University of Arizona

Originally from the suburbs of New York City, Dr. Amanda Kraus has lived in Tucson and worked at the University of Arizona for over 15 years. She serves as Assistant Vice President for Campus Life and is Executive Director for Disability Resources and ADA/504 Compliance Officer. UA’s Disability Resource Center is one of the largest in the nation, and considered an international model of progressive service delivery, uniquely positioned to approach campus access systemically. Through strategic outreach, the Center leads efforts to design campus environments and experiences to be usable and welcoming for a diverse range of individuals, thereby reducing the need for individual accommodations or modifications. Dr. Kraus is also Assistant Professor of Practice in Higher Education where she coordinates the MA program and teaches courses on student services, student development and disability in higher education.

Dr. Kraus is President-Elect for the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Board of Directors and previously chaired its standing committee for diversity. She has had the privilege of delivering keynote addresses and workshops at campuses such as Singapore Management University, Duke University, Wake Forest University, and was the featured speaker at l’Association Québécoise Interuniversitaire des Conseillers aux Étudiants en Situation de Handicap in Montréal, CA – the first plenary talk to be delivered in English in the organization’s twenty-year history. She was recently invited to join a delegation convened by the US Department of State to engage in dialogue on disability access in education and employment in Beijing, China.