(via Aditi Gupta, University of Victoria)
The ACRL Science & Technology Section’s EDI Committee invites you to join us for an insightful panel discussion of how disability justice principles can reshape educational and library environments to prioritize inclusion, belonging, and equity. Disability justice is a framework that aims to dismantle ableism and create a more equitable and inclusive society for people with disabilities. It recognizes that disability is not just a medical condition, but also a social and political issue that intersects with other forms of oppression, such as race, class, and gender.
Date and Time
Tuesday, May 6, 12:00-1:00 PM CDT
Registration Link
This free presentation is sponsored by the ACRL Science and Technology Section EDI Committee and will take place via Zoom. Please register via this link.
Description
In this webinar, our three panelists, KT Vaughan, Tammy Stitz, and Lauren Kehoe will discuss practical strategies for creating inclusive curricula, fostering cultures of mutual care, and advocating for systemic change institutionally and in libraries. Participants will learn how to apply universal design to address barriers in technology and library services. Together, the panelists will identify frameworks and actionable steps to ensure disability justice is embedded in every aspect of education and librarianship, from student support to staff hiring and retention.
Panelists
KT Vaughan, MSLS, EdD. Hal F. and Barbra Buckner Higginbotham University Librarian and Professor, Washington & Lee University Library
With her varied experiences in the sciences, health sciences, scholarly communication, teaching, and management, KT brings an optimistic and inclusive perspective to the leadership of the Washington & Lee Library. Her interests focus on asking questions about – and driving change in – the future of libraries. She is currently focused on building inclusive and equitable library environments for people with disabilities, scholarly and digital communication in resource-constrained contexts, and the recruitment and career advancement of library staff and faculty.
Tammy Stitz, MLIS, MS. Engineering Librarian, George Mason University
Ms.Tammy Stitz has been the Engineering Librarian at George Mason University since 2022. Previously, she worked at the University of Akron as the Applied Sciences Librarian for 15 years. Ms. Stitz has a MLIS from Kent State University. She has a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Akron. Ms. Stitz research interests are outreach to and the engagement of engineering students; digital accessibility, universal design, and universal design for learning; and website design and content management.
Lauren Kehoe, Head of Research Engagement, University of Central Florida
Ms. Lauren Kehoe (she/her/hers) has been the head of Research Engagement at University of Central Florida Libraries since 2024 where she oversees a department of 10 liaison librarians and one staff member. This team is responsible for supporting students, faculty, staff, and community’s research needs across campus. Previously, Lauren was the Accessibility & Accommodations Librarian at New York University where she supported a culture of accessibility throughout the global network of libraries. In this role, she advocated for more accessible facilities, services, and resources within the libraries and accomplished this through direct support of students with disabilities, advocacy, and collaboration.
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Jeanne Hoover (hooverj@ecu.edu) and Aditi Gupta (aditig@uvic.ca) Co-Chairs of the ACRL STS EDI Committee.