Summary
A Mahvelous May update with a significant refresh, new creator call out and graduate celebrations!
Welcome to May: The summer shoulder season.
May is full of mixed emotions — relief, joy, trepidation, anticipation, and, of course — celebration!
May is also Mental Health month.
At a time when mental health conditions are on the rise, we focus now more than ever on raising awareness and bringing empathy and support into our homes, schools, and workplaces.
Graduation season is upon us.
I tear up every time I put on that robe and mortar board to walk into the auditorium with faculty and students.
What a moment for students, families, and educators!
Graduation marks both the end of a degree program and the start of “what’s next”.
“What’s next” may be challenging, or even unknown. Scary stuff for many of our young people. And us older ones too!
Graduation season is also an opportunity to remember that all the things that got us to our milestones in the first place:
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Persistence
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Patience
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Passion
Together with our support networks, these essential elements are with us even into the next steps in our journey. Whatever path we are on.
So as you look forward, remember to reflect on your incredible achievements and how you got there. Dig deep and leap forward!
It’s time for a refresh —
I am making significant revisions to my classes this summer.
Why now?
I set up the online version of the Culture of Disability in 2019.
Think of HOW MUCH has happened since then:
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All things pandemic
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Chat GPT in higher ed
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Accessibility tech and design
And…
Launch of both Disability Is Human book and the Official Workbook!
My plan is to revamp the course from top to bottom.
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Readings + Assignments
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Recorded videos
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Group projects
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And more…
As a subscriber, you’ll have a front row seat!
Want updates more often?
Join me on LinkedIn for weekly updates and insights!
Add Disability Is Human to your syllabus!
Want an affordable, accessible, and huge value add for your students?
Disability is Human brings authentic story and insights to your classes. The book is a great supplement for courses in human development, social work, public health, user design, special education, and more.
The Official Workbook gives you class activities, reflection questions, and assignments that are adaptable to online, in person, and hybrid formats.
Get your desk copy today!
Hit reply with the name of your course, institution, and mailing information to receive both the Disability is Human book and official workbook for your review.
Available in print, audiobook, and ebook formats.
Creator Call Out!
This edition’s Disabled Creator Call Out is Russell Lehman.
Russell is a talented presenter and advocate for disabled people. He is the International Disability Rights Advocate at UCLA’s Tarjan Center for Disabilities and a seasoned speaker on many topics including autism and mental health.
Russell’s profound story is captured in his viral Tedx Talk, When Ignorance Becomes Awareness. Check it out!
And Finally…
This photo was literally taken in the crossroads — at the intersection of “under construction” and “amazing Moody Center event venue” — a chance to celebrate my two graduating students this year:
- Ryan A. Mata, PhD
- Desirée Lama, MA
I’m grateful to have the chance to work with them, both in the Department of Educational Psychology and at the National Disability Center for Student Success.
They bring sincerity, thoughtfulness, and creativity into the world.
Alright, Alright, Aright!
