{"id":6242,"date":"2023-09-19T12:44:37","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T19:44:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogschapman.wpenginepowered.com\/education\/2023\/09\/19\/thompson-policy-institute-on-disability-leads-the-national-dei-discussion-with-the-2023-summit-on-disability-and-inclusion-putting-disability-at-the-forefront\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T06:36:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T06:36:49","slug":"thompson-policy-institute-on-disability-leads-the-national-dei-discussion-with-the-2023-summit-on-disability-and-inclusion-putting-disability-at-the-forefront","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/education\/2023\/09\/19\/thompson-policy-institute-on-disability-leads-the-national-dei-discussion-with-the-2023-summit-on-disability-and-inclusion-putting-disability-at-the-forefront\/","title":{"rendered":"Thompson Policy Institute on Disability Leads the National DEI Discussion with the 2023 Summit on Disability and Inclusion, Putting Disability at the Forefront"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Thompson Policy Institute on Disability (TPI)\u00a0 garnered immense interest for its 2023 Summit on Disability and Inclusion. The annual event gathered 600 registered participants \u2014 including education faculty, teachers, medical professionals, business leaders, service providers, families, and self-advocates \u2014 all eager to engage in this crucial discussion.<\/span><\/p>\n

The eighth annual cornerstone event organized by TPI within the Attallah College, offered a half-day conference with topics including diversifying the teaching workforce, inclusive schooling, employment for youth and adults with disabilities, access and equity for individuals with disabilities, and bridging research policy and practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Summit
(L-R): Meghan E. Cosier, Ph.D., executive director of TPI; Shelley Moore, Ph.D., keynote speaker; Audri Sandoval Gomez, Ph.D., director of TPI; Don Cardinal, Ph.D., founding director of TPI and the 2023 Excellence in Disability Award recipient.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conversations on Belonging<\/b><\/p>\n

Master of Ceremonies, Caddy Aguirre-Stanton, known for his YouTube channel discussing theme parks and autism, facilitated a series of presentations. Aguirre-Stanton, also a physicist and computer scientist, introduced keynote speaker Shelley Moore, Ph.D. A renowned teacher, researcher, and storyteller, Moore has partnered with school districts and community organizations throughout Canada and the United States. Her comprehensive work, grounded in the principles and effective practices of inclusion, special education, curriculum, and teacher professional development, has been showcased at both national and international conferences.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Summit<\/p>\n

Disability Awareness<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cConversations about intersectionality need to happen. We must avoid discussing disability in isolation. Our mission at TPI not only centers around disability but also focuses on intersectionality, including addressing the needs of those who are historically marginalized,\u201d said Meghan E. Cosier, Ph.D., executive director of the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability at Chapman University.<\/span><\/p>\n

The summit welcomed a roster of distinguished speakers and presenters, all of whom are advocates and experts in the field of disability and inclusion, including:<\/span><\/p>\n