2016 Summit Objectives
- Understanding what a disability is and the surrounding terminologies
- Becoming familiar with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended and the United States Office of Disability Employment Policy
- Learning from ADA academic case studies
- Understanding how including individuals with disabilities can provide a competitive edge for companies and academic institutions
On May 20, colleagues from veterinary colleges in the United States will gather at the MSU Henry Center for the 2016 Iverson Bell Regional Diversity Summit. The three-day gathering is an annual event that provides veterinary professionals, students, educators, and staff the opportunity to discuss and act on issues of diversity and inclusion while emphasizing campus climate, student development, and academic curriculum. This year’s focus is “Disability and Accessibility in a Diverse Culture.”
“We want to highlight the value of our community as a whole,” said Assistant Dean Hilda Mejia Abreu. “A work force with varied life experiences and perspectives is an asset. When we welcome differences, we become stronger together.”
Our keynote speakers are Dr. Erin Andrews and Dr. Carrie Pilarski. Drs. Andrews and Pilarski are leaders in the area of disabilities. Following the keynote address, practitioners, faculty, and administrators will speak on topics related to disability and accessibility. Title of presentations and presenters are provided below.
Presentations at this year’s conference include:
- “Veterinary Medicine Education and Disability: Broadening Participation of Persons with Disabilities” by Dr. Brad Duerstock
- “The Americans with Disabilities Act: Thinking Beyond Compliance” by Jessica Norris and Nate Evans
- “More Than One Way to Listen: The Experiences of Two Deaf Veterinarians” by Dr. Kimberly Didge and Dr. Jennifer Miller
Also at the summit will be the award for Midwest Regional Diversity and Inclusion. This award recognizes and honors faculty and staff of veterinary medicine colleges who have shown exemplary dedication to the advancement of diversity and inclusion.
“Recipients of this award have done so much to support academic environments that are welcoming and conducive to student, staff, and faculty success,” said Mejia Abreu. “They are examples we can all look to in our pursuits of inclusion for our own teams.”
The 2016 Iverson Bell Regional Diversity Summit is sponsored by the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Zoetis, and the MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
Register for the summit and download the app.