April 2025 Meeting

Meeting Date
  • Opening quotation 
    • “I want to contribute to a better society where there is more understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities and where the same opportunities are provided for all” - Claudia L. Gordon
  • Agenda 
    • Neubacher information: 
    • Topic: Open Discussion about DEI: We will open the floor for members to share what they are currently hearing, observing, or experiencing related to disability within the broader context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This will be a space to express thoughts, questions, concerns, and reflections in an open and respectful dialogue:
      • This is a meeting place for people interested in disability issues across ann arbor and South East Michigan
        • Disappointed by the speaker not being available last meeting.
      • DEI is under attack by the government.
      • Leadership concerns about the University of Michigan
      • Resources to go back on to web pages. Sadly many of the website resources have now been removed.
      • I also think it's important that we attend to intersectionality and collective action. And be careful about resting in the "safety" of disability not being included. Because 1) history, as Todd notes, would have us cautious that just because it's not one group today, doesn't mean it won't be tomorrow and 2) collective action across all under-represented/oppressed groups is ethically and strategically needed
      • The links to all past U-M Toward an Anti-Ableist Academy Conference talks is also gone, as it was hosted by Disability Culture at U-M/ODEI (https://diversity.umich.edu/events/anti-ableist-academy-conference/). The talks can still be found on YouTube via the UMichDiversity channel.
      • Feelings of shock and disappointment
      • Faculty members rely greatly on resources for accessibility for students
        • Accommodations for students need funding to function.
        • Disappointed to see that more bold resistance from did not come from the top
      • The bold decision that’s needed here is to collaborate - with other higher ed institutions, to protect our independence together and to fight back in the courts against illegal federal actions.
        • Would also love to see departments and schools/colleges across U-M collaborating as well.
      • DEI Defensive legal strategy webinar last friday
        • I cannot ethically serve my students without attending to DEI perspectives.
      • We need collective organized voices that create counter attention to the pressure of the federal government.
        • Yes, I am considered "safe" as an employee in the dept I am in and I need to know what I can do to advocate and be an activist for these myriad of concerns
      • Hands Off demonstration had a lot of support
        • Its hard to get things done because many people come to represent their own cause and not the overarching cause.
      • I unfortunately do not feel comfortable protesting in this political climate around free speech but willing to work on that to eventually return to the protest sites like I wish I could or like I wish I wasn't so fearful of :(
    • Questions:
      • With the closing of ODEI and the elimination of the DEI 2.0 plan, what is the status of disability and accessibility at the central campus level (Provost’s level?)? Anyone have any news on that?
        • Ono put accessibility in his email to continue developing.
          • But what is the actual commitment?
            • Previous topics being transformed into a belonging conversation
        • ODEI did not have ASL interpreters the DEO office has interpreters under our pilot program and they are very much still doing great work for the university - we also have multiple new positions open
        • The Disability Equity Office has always been where they reported through ECRT- you can learn more about them and the services we continue to provide here: https://ecrt.umich.edu/disability-accessibility/asl-cart-services/ 
          • Yes, ECRT is entirely separate from ODEI - it has always been as far as know and DEO (my office) is under ECRT
    • Future meeting matters that members would like to be addressed
      • Talk to provost about the commitments that are going to continue after this announcement.
      • Jack Bernard guest speaker +1
        • He might feel like he would have to speak as a university representative
          • Face to face may be more effective 
      • I think we need more open forum days
      • Invite CSG disability representatives
        • Neubacher committee
      • GEO organization invite for disability caucus 
    • Answers to what is your ask of CfDC?
      • my ask: letter writing or calling campaigns, other ways to advocate on social media maybe to spread the word and activate the alarms
      • An organizing principle we had in another group is the folks who can take the risk, take the risk - meaning more "out front". There are plenty of roles to go around.
      • Traditionally, CfDC included folks from the broader non-UM community in the disability space. Folks like that might be good ones to re-invite to this group and this work and who might take on some leadership roles. (Former Independent Living comes to mind)
    • What are you looking to take part in?
      • CfDC as a place to center a voice and bring people together. 
        • Try to avoid being disjointed and making a more effective movement.
        • Even the larger non-disability community.
        • Everyone needs to be able to participate in a meaningful way.
    • What actionable item are we wanting to start with?

 

Can always send announcements and agenda items to [email protected]