2024 CEDHARS Symposium:
Addressing Ableism in Research, Healthcare, and Higher Education
| Thursday, January 25, 2024 | 8:00 am – 1:30 pm (symposium) |
| 1:45 pm – 3:30 pm (poster session) | |
| Friday, January 26, 2024 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm (symposium) |
UAB National Alumni Society House
1301 10th Ave South Birmingham, AL 35294
Keynote speakers
- Bonnielin Swenor, PhD, MPH, Inaugural Endowed Professor of Disability Health and Justice, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
- Megan DeJarnett, Advocate, author, and founder of No Such Thing
Thematic sessions featuring invited experts
Research: How ableism leads to the exclusion of persons with disabilities from research participation and the subsequent effects on research outcomes and relevance.
- Peter Poullos, Stanford University
- Sally Lindsay, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
- Erin Andrews-Ash, University of Texas
Healthcare: Examination of medical ableism and how it contributes to health disparities and inequities faced by persons with disabilities.
- Katherine McDonald, Syracuse University
- Kim Anderson-Erisman, Case Western Reserve University
- Willyanne DeCormier Plosky, Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard
- Julianne Clina, University of Kansas Medical Center
Higher Education: Exploration of a culture of ableism in academia and its influence on the experiences of students, faculty, and staff.
- Sally Lindsay, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
- Kristina Petersen, New York Medical College
- Meghan Mills, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Moderated breakout groups
- Brainstorming and reflective discussion on actionable strategies to address ableism with a collective co-created call to action.
Poster Session:
- The symposium included a poster session and competition on Thursday, January 25 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. CST where emerging scholars and researchers showcased their work, providing a platform for innovative ideas and fresh perspectives on addressing ableism and other crucial disability-related issues.
- Awards were given in the following categories:
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Faculty
- Staff
- Stakeholder
The symposium is committed to not only highlighting the challenges posed by ableism but also to propelling forward the conversation towards actionable change. It aims to bridge gaps in understanding, encourage collaboration, and inspire a collective effort in creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
If you have any questions, we are here to answer! Please email us at