Accessibility Commons: What We Built Together (Oct 16, 2025)
On October 16, we launched Accessibility Commons—a one-day, hybrid gathering I organized through Disability Alliance to turn disability knowledge into action. More than 100 people from UMKC and the Kansas City region joined us in Miller Nichols Library and online throughout the day. The energy felt equal parts teach-in, design lab, and community reunion.
Why we convened
Because inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. We set out to center anti-ableism, universal design, and community-led solutions—and to leave with concrete practices we can use in classrooms, workplaces, museums, and public systems.
Highlights from the day
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North Star (Keynote + Demo) — Kim Riley, The Transition Academy
A lived-experience–driven platform exposing and addressing transition barriers for youth with disabilities moving from high school to college and employment. -
Creating Inclusive Museum Experiences — Yvonne Tang & Steven Laurie (Royal Ontario Museum)
From “access as problem-solving” to access-by-design: what worked, what didn’t, and how co-design with disabled communities reshapes cultural spaces. -
Making Anti-Ableism Common in Higher Ed — Jessica Lopez, Center for Disability Inclusion
Research-informed strategies that actually move the needle on student success, policy, and curriculum. -
Early Intervention, Real Outcomes — Hosted by Marites Altuna; moderated by Monica Ross
Clinicians, parents, and educators on how individualized supports build communication, motor, and social-emotional skills—especially for visually impaired children. -
Inclusive Research Through Community-Led Co-Design — Michelle D’Souza, Sepideh Shahi, Dana Ayotte (Inclusive Design Research Centre)
Case studies spanning eco-cultural mapping with Indigenous partners, inclusive coding with kids with complex disabilities, and financial inclusion. -
Transition to Work: Open Q&A — Moderated by Meaghan Walls & Matthew Edwards
Students, employers, and advocates traded practical tactics for the school-to-work leap.
What we accomplished
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Brought together students, faculty, employers, designers, and advocates to share what’s working now.
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Elevated anti-ableist practice and UDL as shared priorities across teaching, research, HR, and student services.
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Collected actionable feedback (via our event survey) to shape next year’s convening and new partnerships.
Accessibility matters (how we hosted)
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Hybrid format (Zoom + on-site), live captions, accessible materials, and inclusive facilitation.
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Session sequencing that moved from strategy → practice → community Q&A.
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Built-in time for connection (breakfast, lunch, and reception) so ideas could turn into projects.
Gratitude
To every presenter, panelist, volunteer, and participant—thank you for bringing rigor, creativity, and care. Special thanks to our collaborators across UMKC and the broader KC community.