Disability Pride Week, April 14-20, means something different to everyone as it celebrates individuals embracing their full identities, including disabilities. In the pursuit of recognizing the intersectionality and diversity within disability, honoring and educating about the experiences of people with disabilities, the campus community is encouraged to participate in a variety of events.
“Disability Pride Week, which centers on the voices and perspectives of disabled people, reflects the collaborative effort of multiple units on campus. We have been meeting for months to brainstorm, plan and operationalize a full week of events celebrating disability identity, culture and pride. This collaboration mirrors the collective responsibility we all need to take to ensure our campus is moving toward greater accessibility and inclusivity for all members of our community,” says Christine Ashby, director of the Center of Disability and Inclusion.
Disability Pride Week 2024 Events
“Through inclusive programming with campus and community partners the Disability Cultural Center fosters personal growth and positive disability identity that builds a sense of belonging, fosters academic self-efficacy and aligns with Syracuse University’s Academic Strategic Plan framework to advance excellence for every member of our community,” says “Carrie Ingersoll-Wood, director of the Disability Cultural Center. “Alongside campus partners, we challenge ableist attitudes, inaccessibility, discrimination and stereotypes, through programming that directly connects students, faculty and staff to the disability community at large both on and off campus.”
A variety of events will be hosted April 14-20 including:
Sunday, April 14: OrangeAbility
Monday, April 15: Being Disabled/Neurodivergent in the Workplace
Monday, April 15: Esports with InclusiveU
Tuesday, April 16: Keynote Speaker Ali Stroker
Wednesday, April 17: Neurocurious?
Friday, April 19: American Sign Language (ASL) as a Career ft. Cheryl Murphy
Saturday, April 20: Disability Student Union Silent Disco
Visit the Disability Pride Week event webpage for a complete list of events and details.
Disability Pride Week Keynote Speaker Ali Stroker
Ali Stroker
The campus community is invited to join keynote speaker Ali Stroker, Tuesday, April 16, starting with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and a ticket from the Student Box Office is required to attend.
Stroker is a trailblazing actress, singer and activist who made history as the first wheelchair user to appear on Broadway. Her powerful performance in “Oklahoma!” earned her a Tony Award for best featured actress in a musical. Stroker is an inspirational speaker who uses her platform to advocate for greater representation and inclusion of people with disabilities in the entertainment industry and beyond. Stroker’s keynotes draw from her own courageous journey, sharing insights on overcoming barriers, building confidence and embracing one’s authentic self. Her remarkable story and uplifting messages have motivated people of all backgrounds to redefine what’s possible.
To learn more and for year-round resources, please visit the following websites: Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Disability Cultural Center, Center for Disability Resources, InclusiveU, Center on Disability and Inclusion and the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs and Outreach in the Burton Blatt Institute.
Story by Student Experience Communications Graduate Assistant Kalaya Sibley ‘24, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications