University of Michigan, 'Disability Is Culture'

Thanks to Tobin Siebers for distributing the following information regarding a Disability Studies event being held today at the University of Michigan.

Disability Is Culture
Open and Free to the Public, April 3, 2006

The University of Michigan Initiative in Disability Studies and the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living present an afternoon symposium on disability culture in celebration of 30 years of Independent Living in Ann Arbor. Location: Pendleton Room, Michigan Union

2:00pm Poster Session by UM students and faculty

3:00 pm Panel: Disability is Culture
Riva Lehrer, "Circle Stories, or How to Frame Disability," School of Art Institute of Chicago
Randy Graise, "Disability Culture, A Universal Motivator," RanDel Enterprises
Brenda Brueggemann, "Writing (Our) Rights: Disability and Literacy," Ohio State University

4:00 pm Keynote Address
John D. Kemp, "How I See Myself*Is How I See the World," renowned disability rights leader and 2006 Henry B. Betts Award recipient

5:00 pm Poster Session Continued

Brenda Brueggemann is Associate Professor of English and Director of the First-Year Writing Program at Ohio State University. She was the prime force in the creation of a Disability Studies Minor at OSU. Her work focuses on writing, literacy, and Deaf culture.
Randy Graise owns RanDel Enterprises and is a motivational speaker focusing on disability issues.
John D. Kemp, a renowned disability rights activist, served in the Clinton administration and is winner of the 2006 Henry B. Betts Award.
Riva Lehrer teached painting and drawing at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. Her "Circle Stories" present portraits of disabled people including accomplished playwrights, actors, artists, and writers.