The Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI) at Chapman University hosted its 11th annual summit on Disability and Opportunities for All on Aug. 7 at Chapman’s Musco Center for the Arts. Through presentations, performances, and community conversations, the Summit demonstrated how inclusion can create meaningful opportunities for people to learn, work, connect, and lead.
This year’s program brought together educators, advocates, researchers, community members, and people with disabilities to explore inclusion in education, employment, technology, the arts, and community life.
Elevating the Voices of Self-Advocates
Attallah College Dean Roxanne Greitz Miller opened the Summit and welcomed attendees to a day of presentations, performances, and conversations focused on inclusion and opportunity.
Subodh Garg, who appeared on Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum,” served as master of ceremonies. Garg guided attendees through the day’s program and reinforced the Summit’s commitment to elevating voices from within the disability community.
Mia Noelle Rodriguez
Seventeen-year-old singer, actress, and self-advocate Mia Noelle Rodriguez delivered the keynote address. Rodriguez spoke about advocacy, the importance of educators listening to their students, and the power of creating environments in which every student feels heard and valued. She is also involved with the No Decisions Without Us campaign.
Turning Research into Practice
The morning of the Summit highlighted research and initiatives led by TPI and its partners. The California Demonstration Sites initiative provides educators with opportunities to observe inclusive practices in real classrooms and consider how to strengthen inclusion in their own schools and communities.
Attendees also learned about a collaboration exploring an artificial intelligence-powered virtual job coaching model. The project is designed to support employment and independence through personalized and accessible coaching, demonstrating how research, technology, and collaboration can create practical opportunities for people with disabilities.
“For me, the Summit is a reflection of the impact of the work we do at TPI. It brings together the research, ideas, and partnerships that are shaping education and creating opportunities beyond the classroom. Just as importantly, the Summit creates a space where people with disabilities are represented, their voices are heard, and everyone has access to the conversation,” said Audri M. Sandoval Gomez, Ph.D., director of the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability.
Inclusion Beyond the Classroom
The day also featured examples of inclusion in the arts and the broader community. Down For Dance, an inclusive dance and arts organization serving individuals of all abilities, performed for attendees and demonstrated how creative expression can foster confidence, connection, and belonging.
Down For Dance
Coastal Crew Participants
The Summit also highlighted Coastal Crew, an inclusive outdoor recreation and volunteer program developed by Chapman University alumna Ella Stroup in partnership with the Glennwood Housing Foundation and California State Parks. Through beach cleanups, park projects, sensory-friendly events, and nature exploration, the program creates opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in recreation, volunteer service, and community life.
Preparing for the Future
The afternoon breakout sessions gave attendees an opportunity to explore topics related to education, research, and planning for people with disabilities. Presenters also shared practical information and resources that attendees could take back to their families, schools, and communities.
In one session, Linda O’Neal and Elissa Green Kaustinen introduced the Life Care Portfolio, a personalized tool that helps individuals with disabilities and their families organize important health, education, employment, and life documents to support lifelong planning and independence.
Across each presentation and performance, the Summit returned to one central message: Opportunities grow when people are included, supported, listened to, and given the chance to participate and lead. Through its research, partnerships, and community engagement, TPI continues to advance Attallah College’s commitment to creating spaces where every person can belong and contribute.
