ORAHEAD Fall 2024
Sharing Our Stories
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, November 6th, through Friday, November 8th
Hallmark Resort — 744 SW Elizabeth St, Newport, OR 97365
Wednesday, November 6th
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - Check-in (light breakfast provided)
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Welcome
ORAHEAD board president, Jewls Griesmeyer-Krentz, will welcome attendees and introduce this year’s theme: Sharing Our Stories.
10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - Keynote
From Sharing Data to Sharing Stories presented by Kaela Parks - Portland Community College
Promoting the full participation of people with disabilities in higher education is not something we can achieve through accommodation alone. This session will explore approaches to using data with a focus on how both quantitative and qualitative approaches are needed to effect change at scale. Examples from PCC will be shared with encouragement for participants to consider what might work well in their own institutions.
Learning Outcomes
Understanding how and why student leadership and engagement is critical to advancing equity
Evaluating how and why a storytelling approach coupled with quantitative data can help to build institutional
Materials
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch (provided)
1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Optional Community of Care / Talking Circle, Ward Room
Jewls Griesmeyer-Krentz and some fellow board members host an informal opportunity to connect and build your ORAHEAD Community of Care. The last few years have had a substantial impact on many of us—pandemic, elections, tightened budgets, and attacks on DEI work (just to name a few!). Our students feel it and we feel it. The Community of Care / Talking Circle is an build connection with others in our field who understand our unique positions on campus and the work we do. A Community of Care is a place to share our stories - maybe with laughter, maybe with tears, but always with respect.
2:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Session Two: Keynote Speakers: Norma Kehdi & Lauren Minnich - University of Oregon
Creating and Hearing Stories of a Student-Led Advocacy Group
Last academic year, the University of Oregon AEC repurposed what used to be called the Student Voices Panel to become the Disability Advocacy Committee (DAC). The DAC is a group of passionate volunteers who are dedicated to educating the campus community about disability. The Student Disability Advocates may or may not be students with disabilities, but are students who are passionate about disability as a social justice issue, and increasing awareness and understanding disability at the UO. This presentation will tell AEC’s story of how and why we developed the DAC and the impact DAC has had in their first year. This will include providing details related to the development of the DAC mission, outcomes, and membership responsibilities, as well as the application process, member selection, and training. We will share why we decided to create a student advocacy group rather than an advisory group, which is more common at DS offices. We will discuss AEC’s philosophy in how we approached leading the DAC, and a summary of topics discussed with the DAC.
The presentation will also include recorded videos of DAC students sharing what it means to them to be part of DAC. While the DAC has been invaluable to the AEC in our outreach efforts, as well as prioritizing campus-wide initiatives, it is the students who are part of the DAC and their experiences that really matter and make this group special.
Participants will leave this session having the opportunity to critically think about programming and engagement opportunities with their students at their schools. They will gain a detailed understanding of how they can develop a student advocacy group on their own campuses, if such a group would be beneficial. Participants will walk away with ideas of gaps in their office or on their campuses related to the disabled student experience and how to amplify student voices.
Materials
Creating and Hearing Stories of a Student-Led Advocacy Group (PPTX)
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Session Three:
Empowering Mobility through Adventure with David's Chair
Join us for an informational session with Jeff K. from David's Chair, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of mobility-impaired individuals. Discover how David's Chair provides access to a fleet of track chairs and Para Golfers, enabling users to explore the great outdoors and the Oregon Coast at no cost.
Materials
David’s Chair (PPTX)
6:00 p.m. - Dinner Buffet
7:30 p.m. ORAHEAD's Disability Trivia Night, D Deck Salon (main conference area)
Join us for an engaging and informative evening at ORAHEAD's Disability Trivia Night! Put your knowledge to the test as we explore disability policies and practices in higher education, dive into disability culture, and revisit significant historical events. This fun-filled event is a great way to increase awareness while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. Bring your own snacks and get ready to learn, connect, and compete for prizes.
Thursday, November 7th
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast Buffet
9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. - Session Four:
Building Community Through Telling Our Stories presented by Angie Ebba - Mt Hood Community College
The society we live in is steeped in messaging that tells us negative messages about ourselves, especially if we are ‘other’ in any way. These messages are easy to internalize and can quickly start to feel very real. Research shows that one of the best ways to break through the internalized barriers we have around our selves (such as internalized ableism, sizeism, ageism, etc.) is through sharing our stories. Sharing our stories helps us to dismantle shame, create new messages about ourselves, and regain a sense of authorship over our lives.
In addition to those personal things, though, story also helps to build community. Story allows the space for our voices to be heard and validated. It allows us to connect. In sharing our stories we show each other that we are not alone. Our shared experiences build bonds, and we hold space for each other.
In this workshop, the presenter will share her personal disability journey through story, and will share a creative presentation of the stories of others she has interviewed in her research. Then we will learn about some of the research about the power of story and how it can help to break internalized barriers as well as build community. We will engage in small group discussions around these topics, sharing at whatever level participants feel comfortable. We will discuss the implications of this research on our work with students and will end with a collaborative exercise demonstrating the power of story to build community.
Materials
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Session Five:
Changing the Narrative: Supporting Our Students When the Flexibility with Deadlines Accommodation May Not Be Reasonable presented by Katie Wolf & Tyan Taubner - University of Oregon
Flexibility with assignment deadlines are here to stay on our campuses! Many disability services offices have experienced an increase in requests for flexible deadlines from students with disabilities. As an accommodation, flexibility with deadlines can stir up strong emotions among students, instructors, and disability services providers. Many students may have relied on it in high school and may expect to receive it in college. Many instructors are vocal about their negative experiences with students’ use of the accommodation. Many DS providers struggle to have clear and meaningful conversations with students about the purpose of the accommodation and its appropriate use.
Many of us have attended presentations about flex accommodations and walked away feeling like the rationale and determination processes make sense in theory, but have yet to feel confident engaging in practice when discussing these accommodations with students and making determinations. This presentation will outline the University of Oregon Accessible Education Center’s processes and guidelines regarding the flexible deadlines accommodation, and discuss our approach to discussing these accommodations with students.
The presentation will also include discussion about:
When is flexibility with assignment deadlines a reasonable accommodation?
How do we engage in authentic conversations with students regarding a request for this accommodation?
What are alternative resources for students?
When approved, how do we support students and instructors in approaching it effectively?
Participants will leave this session feeling more confident in their understanding of when flex deadlines might be reasonable, and their ability to discuss these accommodations with students. Participants will learn what types of questions are essential when engaging in the interactive process related to these accommodations, and how to remain student-centered in their approach. Further, participants will leave feeling more comfortable having the following challenging discussions with students:
Articulating why a flex accommodation may not be reasonable when students have had it in high school.
Guiding students in understanding why a flex deadlines accommodation may not address the challenges they experience, and may actually be detrimental based on their functional limitations.
Identify campus resources available for skill building that more directly address the barrier and discuss the specific ways our students can utilize these resources to avoid procrastination/strengthen time management.
Materials
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch (on your own)
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - Session Six: Breakouts
Leveraging Data presented by Anthony Wagner - Chemeketa Community College
As professionals in this field, our focus is on the students we serve and ensuring compliance through the interactive process. We might see data as important for purposes of reporting and for keeping an eye on high level trends, but working with data probably isn’t of central importance to most of us day-to-day. We may be unaware of the extent to which any electronic systems we use can be leveraged to facilitate data-informed decision making and can empower us in sharing the story of our work with others.
Materials
Collaborative and Holistic Approaches to Residential Housing and Dining Accommodation Requests Presented by Jamie Opdyke & Kathleen Jensen - Linfield University
As universities increasingly prioritize inclusive and supportive environments, disability services offices are facing the dual challenge of rising caseloads and constrained resources. As a small office, we began looking for holistic alternatives that might reduce common barriers created by current housing and dining options, especially when an accommodation is not the most appropriate support. This presentation dives into the process of identifying and collaborating with strategic campus partners to provide solutions for students, both within and beyond the accommodations process.
We will showcase requests presented to our Accommodations Committee and highlight decisions that led to the development of creative initiatives—like residence hall decompression spaces, pet-friendly housing options, and strategic residence hall renovations that enhance accessibility. These efforts not only enrich student well-being but also alleviate pressures on Disability Services, fostering a more vibrant and supportive campus community.
Materials
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Break
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Session Seven
Office for Civil Rights - Year in Review Presented by Isaac Conver and Amy Kim, Attorneys with the U.S. Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Seattle office
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights assists individuals with disabilities who face discrimination and guides institutions in developing solutions to civil rights problems by investigating complaints, initiating compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. OCR representatives will review recent, illustrative OCR decisions.
List of OCR Cases:
01-22-2342
09-21-2357
03-23-2046
03-23-2186
15-22-2202
09-23-2490
02-22-2074
OCR Letters: You can find a copy of the resolution letters for six of the seven cases listed above on the national AHEAD conference website, at Section 6.01. You can also find copies of these resolution letters and agreements on OCR’s website in its reading room.
FOIA Request Information: If you would like to request a copy of the dismissal letter for 03-23-2046, which is not published on OCR’s website, you can email the request to EDFOIAManager@ed.gov. You can find more information about FOIA and ED’s FOIA contacts on its website.
5:00 p.m. Dinner (on your own)
7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Bonfire at The Bluff, Hallmark Resort
Join us for a cozy bonfire at The Bluff at Hallmark Resort! Enjoy the stunning views of the Oregon Coast as you connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting. We’ll provide all the supplies for s’mores, so just bring your favorite beverage to sip by the fire. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, share stories, and soak in the beautiful sounds and atmosphere of the coast. Don’t miss this chance for camaraderie and fun!
Friday, November 8th
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - Light breakfast provided
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - List Serv in Real Time
Listserv in Real Time presented by Presenter Jeff Larson
This session provides a chance for participants to pose a question or make a comment just as you would over the listserv, but in real time! Responses are generally limited to three replies, before the topic changes to a new thread.
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Business Meeting
All conference attendees are encouraged to attend.
Materials
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Session Eight: Breakouts
From Access to Universal Design: Accommodations that Benefit Everyone presented by Rian Gayle & Alexis Morrison - Western Oregon University
The future of Universal Access (UA) in Higher Education is a story in the making. UA is a growing phenomenon in the academic world and research supporting a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has become increasingly available. This presentation will explore the topic of UDL and UA further. We will look specifically at accommodations that were (and in many cases, still are) exclusive to students registered with disability services offices that are now becoming universally available across institutions. We will discuss how various accommodations that traditionally benefit students with disabilities can expand to serve the whole student population at any institution. We will look at some institutions that have already established tools and resources (which are traditionally seen as “accommodations”) that anyone can utilize without registering with the campus disability services office. We will then explore other accommodations that could benefit the greater student population. We believe this approach encourages an inclusive and welcoming learning environment and that it presents a future of higher education with fewer barriers. We will explain how this strategy will foster a culture of shared responsibility for access and further remove the stigma associated with requesting accommodations. This approach will likely reduce some of the strain on disability services offices across institutions. Additionally, it is important to highlight that disability services offices will continue to be an important part of the interactive process for students with disabilities in higher education and will continue to provide accommodations on a case-by-case basis.
Materials
Who knew? HUD, they are not just about ESAs presented by Presenters Earlee Kerekes-Mishra & Martha Smith - Oregon State University
Presentation Summary: TBD
Materials
12:00 p.m. - Lunch (on your own)
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Beach Gathering at Don and Ann Davis Park
Join us for a culminating beach gathering at Don and Ann Davis Park! Just a 2-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from Hallmark Resort, this is a perfect chance to come together to celebrate our time at the conference and capture the moment with a group photo to commemorate our shared experience. We’ve reserved a para-golfer track chair for anyone who wishes to use it. We look forward to seeing you there!