On Dec.3, UAB’s Disability Health Coalition hosted its third annual celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day, recognized by the United Nations, aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and increase awareness of their situation in all aspects of life.
The UAB Disability Health Coalition is led by Robin Lanzi, Ph.D., MPH, Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Director of Translational Science and Community Engagement for the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability. Several additional UAB entities, including Disability Support Services, the AWARE program from the Department of Human Resources, the Institute for Human Rights, Arts in Medicine, the Governor’s Office on Disability, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Lakeshore Foundation Research Director’s office, also contribute to the coalition's efforts.
This year's event was held virtually and featured keynote speaker Sue Swenson, president of Inclusion International who has decades of experience in disability advocacy and leadership, previously serving as Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research; Acting Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Executive Director of The Arc; Executive Director of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation; and Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Swenson shared her personal connection to disability work, highlighting her experiences as the parent of a son with a rare muscular dystrophy.
In addition to Swenson’s presentation, various speakers shared their personal stories and motivations for working in the disability support space.
Michael Woolley, Executive Director of Easterseals Birmingham, discussed how parenting influenced his efforts to provide employment opportunities and support services to individuals with disabilities. Patty Ericson-Taylor, a stroke survivor, spoke about her recovery journey and the support she received from Spaulding Rehabilitation and the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability wellness programs including MENTOR, GROWTH, and Coffee Club. She shared how much it has meant to her to be a NCHPAD Ambassador and National Stakeholder Advisory Board member. Patty is pictured above kayaking. Zach Woolley, a young leader with cerebral palsy, shared how mentorship and advocacy opportunities have empowered him to challenge stereotypes and push for systemic change. Zach's internship with the American Association of Persons with Disabilities and his current role as a Fellow under Lanzi through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Business Relations Program were highlighted.
“I hope that the stories shared reveal the value and potential in every person,” said Lanzi. “Sue Swenson reminded us that this work requires education and an unrelenting motivation to break down ableism and dismantle barriers. I hope that those who attended our event left feeling challenged and motivated to commit to a future that is sustainable for all.”
View the event recording Opens an external link.
To learn more about the work of the Disability Health Coalition or to get involved, visit go.uab.edu/disabilityhealth.