Achieving Effective Outreach and Systemic Change Through Strategic Collaborations Susan A. Aase, J.D., M.S.Ed. University of Minnesota Donna Johnson, M.A., M.S. University of Minnesota Amanda Kraus University of Arizona Meghan Sooy University of Arizona July 13 th 2012 AHEAD Conference New Orleans, LA

Agenda  Introductions: Who we are and what we do  Framing disability on your campus  Mission statements and purposeful engagement  Campus-wide outreach as a mechanism for furthering our work  Examples of campus outreach opportunities  Creating and implementing an effective action plan  Group Discussion and wrap-up AHEAD 2012

Objectives  Reinforce how the sociopolitical concept of disability informs outreach.  Learn about the importance of a mission statement as a rationale for outreach.  Discover ways to develop partnerships and collaborations.  Learn about a variety of campus-wide outreach activities.  Apply concepts to your practice. AHEAD 2012

(Re)framing Disability on Your Campus  Disability is a neutral characteristic that contributes to the diversity of the campus community.  Rather than focusing on an individual’s impairment, shift your focus to barriers in the environment that exclude and disable. AHEAD 2012

Outreach as a Mechanism for Furthering Our Work  How is outreach defined on your campus?  Reflect on your office mission statement. How do outreach opportunities further this mission? AHEAD 2012

Mission Statement  Defines our role and informs our outreach work  University of Minnesota’s mission statement experience AHEAD 2012

 Advancing –because we believe that word incorporates the ideas of movement, innovation and forward thinking.  Access – because we believe that access is at the core of our work.  Everyone – because we believe it is an inclusive word that emphasizes the importance of each individual (students, employees, and those of us who work for Disability Services). AHEAD 2012 U of MN DS Mission Statement: Advancing Access for Everyone

Examples of Outreach Faculty/Curricular Outreach  Proactive efforts versus a retroactive curricular band-aid  Infusing elements of disability studies across curricula AHEAD 2012

Examples of Outreach Continued: Events  Purposeful engagement on both a small and large scale Marketing and Messaging  Promotes our mission and reflects our values AHEAD 2012

Examples of Outreach-U of A Faculty/Curricular Outreach  Outreach with faculty in large venue classes  Increasing disability visibility in College of Medicine  Disability Studies Collaborative  Using Testing Center data to identity faculty with whom to partner AHEAD 2012

Examples of Outreach-U of MN Faculty/Curricular Outreach  Joint grant with Medical School  Universal Design Initiative  Center for Teaching and Learning  Faculty Advisory Committee  Disability Studies Graduate MInor AHEAD 2012

Examples of Outreach-U of A Events  Wildcat Welcome  Orientation activities  Finding Community  Student Services fee project  Disability Studies events AHEAD 2012

Examples of Outreach-U of MN Events  Silent Shout  Mental Health Awareness Day  Social Justice Film Festival  Disability Studies Symposium  Advancing Access Awards AHEAD 2012

Examples of Outreach U of A Marketing and Messaging  Student Affairs Marketing team  DRC website and Facebook  University website and communication AHEAD 2012

Examples of Outreach-U of MN Marketing and Messaging  Faces Campaign  Videos  Websites  Brochures: Compelling Facts Card  Displays  Give-Aways  Newsletters  Reports AHEAD 2012

Creating and Implementing an Action Plan: Pair & Share  With whom would like to collaborate and why?  Immediate?  Target?  What are your next steps for partnering with these individuals and/or groups? AHEAD 2012

Discussion and Wrap-up  Large group share: Ideas and themes to take with you  Final thoughts and session evaluations AHEAD 2012