In May 2016, veterinary students, educators, and staff from across the country gathered at the James B. Henry Center at Michigan State University for the 2016 Midwest Regional Iverson Bell Diversity Summit. The three-day event provided attendees with the opportunity to learn about the many types of disabilities, the responsibility that colleges of veterinary medicine have to assure that students, faculty, and staff have appropriate and legally protected accommodations, and to understand how disabilities are a part of diversity and inclusion programs.

This was the first major conference to focus on disability and accessibility in veterinary medicine. Dr. John Baker, dean of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, addressed the importance of this topic in his opening remarks.

 “Disability and accessibility were selected as the topics for this conference because of our increased awareness that our population is changing,” Dr. Baker said. “Invisible and visible disabilities are not discussed often; in fact, there are some who are afraid to bring them up at all. Addressing this topic will help us to chart a course for success in veterinary education.”