Broaden your perspective on disability inclusion through mentoring circles

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas faculty and staff members who want to expand their knowledge and perspectives on disability inclusion can join KU’s 2019-2020 Mentoring Circles for Disability Inclusion Program. Participants will gain insights and expertise on how they can improve disability inclusion within their own workplace and the university.

Program participants will meet weekly in groups for training, discussions, technical assistance and professional support and development. Catherine Johnson, director of the ADA Resource Center for Equity and Accessibility, will serve as the primary mentor to all mentees. Each mentoring circle also will be paired with a coach who will assist and support that circle throughout the seven-week training period.

Weekly meeting topics include an overview of the history of the disability rights movement, the Americans with Disabilities Act, employment accommodations, microaggressions and proactively creating an accessible workplace. Participants should expect to spend four hours in each class and anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours in prep work before each class. Participants can earn certification as an Ambassador for Proactive Disability Inclusion, which includes a certificate, door sign and braille business cards.

The program is limited to 24 participants, and the application deadline is Oct. 4. The Mentoring Circle weekly meetings will begin Jan. 31, 2020.