Title: Becoming Anti-Ableist
Description: Through dynamic storytelling, self-reflective activities, breakout room discussion, and the use of mentimeter (an anonymous digital platform accessed through a smartphone or computer), this session will help attendees better recognize and counteract ableism in library services and beyond. Grounded in lived experiences and principles of disability justice, we’ll explore how ableism shows up, why it matters, and begin to consider ways libraries can move toward more equitable and inclusive practices.
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Understand the roots and impacts of ableism.
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Be better equipped to recognize ableism in daily interactions and systems.
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Begin identifying approaches for fostering inclusion and equity.
Date / Time: Wednesday, November 26th at 10am – 11:30am PDT on Zoom (a recording will also be available for 3 months for those who register).
Registration is now closed.
Who should attend?: All library workers
Cost: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, which enables us to offer this event free of charge.
Presenters:
Elisabeth Walker-Young
Elisabeth Walker-Young, CM, LL, PLY is the Co-founder and Inclusion Lead for Inclusive Experiences, a small consultancy working at the intersections of innovation and inclusion, with a deeper expertise and body of work around ableism and anti-ableism.
Elisabeth is a disability activist, Paralympian, entrepreneur, and bridge-builder for challenging conversations. A white disabled settler (congenital), mom, and adoptee, she co-founded Inclusive Experiences, a consultancy advancing anti-ableism across industries.
With extensive experience in sport and disability sectors, Elisabeth competed in four Paralympic Games, served as assistant chef de mission (London 2012) and chef de mission (Toronto 2015), and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2019. She blends dynamic storytelling with lived and learned expertise, grounded in studies in Occupational Therapy, Movement, and Disability Studies.
Her work is driven by the importance of delineating the difference between accessibility and anti-ableism, with a strong commitment to amplifying the voices and experiences of disabled individuals. Elisabeth served one term with the North Vancouver City Library Board of Directors.
Shawna Lawson
Shawna Lawson, MaKin, is the Co-founder and Innovation Lead of Inclusive Experiences, a small consultancy working at the intersections of innovation and inclusion, with a deeper expertise and body of work around ableism and anti-ableism.
Shawna is a non-disabled settler, mom, researcher, and innovator. She is a changemaker at heart and skilled at applying human-centered and evidence-based approaches to inclusion and equity work. Shawna has a knack for knowledge translation, meaningful engagement, and systems change.
This online presentation via Zoom will include closed captioning. If you have any accessibility needs to attend this session, please contact Natalie Porter, BCLA Professional Development Coordinator in advance and BCLA will do our best to support you.
BCLA expects anyone attending to honour the Online Community Guidelines, to help create a positive environment that values accountability, respect, and a willingness to learn from each other.