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UPPER PENINSULA ACCESSIBILITY SUMMIT SCHEDULE
September 26th, 2024
9:00 AM - Registration
Location: Rozsa Lobby
9:30 AM - Presentation: Preparing Adults With Disabilities For the Workforce
Location: Rozsa Lobby
Presenters: Chad Johnson
Description: Northern Lights Clubhouse, located at 200 Quincy Street in Hancock, serves adults with mental illness. Chad will give a brief overview of the history of the clubhouse model, explain what the Clubhouse model is, and discuss what happens at Northern Lights Clubhouse and how clubhouse changes people’s lives through meaningful work and relationships.
10:30 AM - Presentation: Language Matters
Location: Rozsa Lobby
Presenters: Dr. Michelle Morgan and Jen Shaud
Description: Why do the words we use matter? What is inclusive language? What is ableist language? Language communicates what we value and what we believe. It can create empathy and help people feel welcome or create an uncomfortable, hostile environment. Language shapes how we perceive the world and how the world perceives us. In this interactive presentation by Michelle Morgan and Jen Shaud, we will examine the language around all disabilities and help you create a welcoming environment for everyone.
11:30 AM - Break | Visit Vendor Tables | ADA Scavenger Hunt
12:00 PM - Lunch
Location: Rozsa Stage
12:30 PM - Welcome
Location: Rozsa Stage
Presenters: Wayne Gersie and Dr. Michelle Morgan
12:45 PM - Keynote Presentation: My Life with Autism
Location: Rozsa Stage
Presenters: Kaelynn Partlow
Description: As someone who was diagnosed with autism at age 10 and is an autism service professional, I will offer actionable information about supporting those on the spectrum and their families. You'll hear my firsthand perspective on the autistic need for routines, autism meltdowns, and the impact of a supportive network. My goal is to offer an insightful and inspiring session that promises to broaden your understanding and provide valuable takeaways for supporting autistic individuals.
2:00 PM - Panel: Transition From School to Work
Location: Rozsa Lobby
Facilitated by Karen Juntunen
Description: How do our agencies help people with disabilities access employment in our area? What are the laws and regulations regarding accommodations for employing someone with a disability? What has been successful, and what can be improved? This panel includes agency representatives, an employer, and an employee who can answer these questions. There will be discussions regarding accommodations, tax breaks and incentives for employers, job fit and recruitment, liability concerns, and the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
3:00 PM - Presentation: What are Accessibility Standards?
Location: Rozsa Lobby
Presenters: Part One: Jerry Juntunen and Tim Seppanen
Part Two: Sue Anderson and Jaime Glenn
Description: In Michigan, businesses are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the public. Taking proactive steps to ensure accessibility helps businesses comply with the law and enhances inclusivity and customer satisfaction. By implementing universal design principles, businesses and organizations can create environments and products that are more inclusive, thereby enhancing usability and accessibility for everyone, including individuals with disabilities and older adults.
September 27, 2024
9:00 AM - Registration
Location: Rozsa Lobby
9:30 AM - Panel: Disability Life in the U.P.
Location: Rozsa Lobby
Facilitated by Jen Shaud and Duncan Wyeth
Description: Duncan Wyeth and Jen Shaud will lead a panel discussion with Upper Peninsula residents with visible and invisible disabilities. By answering thoughtfully posed questions, panel members will share their experiences and hopes for a more inclusive Upper Peninsula. The discussion will show how businesses, non-profit organizations, teachers/professors, and government officials can create a more welcoming, inclusive environment for all. The audience will have the opportunity to submit questions to the panel.
10:30 AM - Break
10:45 AM - Presentation: Accessible Travel
Location: Rozsa Lobby
Presenter: Susan Estler
Description: Susan has had friends throughout her life who have had accessibility issues, but it was when she broke her ankle in 2019 and navigated life with her wheelie cart for six weeks that she realized the barriers presented to those with mobility issues. She will discuss the projects she and her team have accomplished with the assistance of SAIL, SimpleView, and other partners over the years and the new projects on the horizon.
11:45 AM - Break | Visit Vendor Tables | ADA Scavenger Hunt
12:10 PM - Lunch
Location: Rozsa Stage
12:30 PM - Keynote Presentation: Using the ADA to Benefit Business
Location: Rozsa Stage
Presenter: Robin Jones
Description: The Americans with Disabilities Act can positively affect businesses, tourism, and government. This keynote by Robin Jones from the Great Lakes ADA Center will provide insight into how complying with the ADA will benefit businesses, tourism, and the government.
1:30 PM - UPAS Awards Ceremony
Location: Rozsa Stage
1:50 PM - Closing Remarks
Location: Rozsa Stage
The daily itinerary for the 2024 Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit is listed above. If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessing or attending one or more event blocks, don't hesitate to contact our event coordinator, Rachael Pressley, at rpressley@wuppdr.org.
If you would like to download a copy of the summit schedule, please visit this link: UPAS'24 Summit Schedule