Event Summary

Explore Issues at the Intersection of Disability and Race

AHRC Nassau, in conjunction with The Arc of the United States, is proud to present a free, online conference focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) community. Register and access a full day of training videos and handouts. 

The DEI Virtual Conference, “Beyond the Comfort Zone: Understanding and Eradicating Injustice, Racism and Inequality in the Field of Developmental Disabilities,” was held on May 18, 2022. The DEI Virtual Conference seeks to increase fluency and understanding of the history, challenges and opportunities impacting people with I/DD and the staff who work with them. 

*Please note our speaker line-up and schedule has been updated.                 

Keynote Speaker

"Social Innovation: The Transformational Power of Lived Experiences and the Diversity of Thought" Atif Choudhury is an award-winning social entrepreneur, with a background in economic justice and disability inclusion projects. Focusing on the inclusion of marginalized communities, Choudhury has worked with a number of high-profile grassroots social development projects across the UK, the Middle East and Asia.

Plenary Sessions

"Meeting Challenges: Strengthening the Direct Support Workforce and Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion"	"Achieving Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the I/DD Space: The Essential Role of Cultural and Linguistic Competence"	"Picking the Lock: How Access to the American Dream Is a Test in Fortitude"
Kerri Neifeld serves as the Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) following her nomination by Governor Kathy Hochul in early November of 2021 and confirmation in February 2022. Prior to her nomination, Neifeld most recently served as Assistant Secretary for Human Services & Mental Hygiene in the governor's office.	Tawara Goode is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She has been on the faculty of the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development (GUCCHD), for over 30 years and has served in many capacities. She has degrees in early childhood education and education and human development.	A dynamic executive coach, professor, best-selling author, and radio host, Alonzo Kelly has gained international and global attention as a premier consultant and strategist. Kelly is recognized as one of the nation's leading experts on leadership development, strategic thinking, planning, and acting which results in individual and organizational goal achievement.

Featured Sessions

See the current schedule, here, and full speaker line-up on topics, including:

• Setting and defining goals for improving DEI in your organization.
• The impact of systemic and historical racism and other barriers on the I/DD sector.
• The intersection of health care disparities for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and those with I/DD.
• Creating a pathway for equity and inclusion of BIPOC at all levels of I/DD organizations, including the boards of directors.
• The challenges and rewards of employing a neuro-diverse workforce.
  
  

Champion Sponsors:

Innovator Sponsor:

Advocate Sponsors:

Ally Supporter:

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Download the event sponsor kit. For more information, please contact Nicole Zerillo, Assistant Director, Community Resources, AHRC Nassau, at nzerillo@ahrc.org.