Emory’s Department of Accessibility Services will host its second annual Celebrating Disability at Emory Week Nov. 10-14, 2025. This event raises awareness of disability as an essential part of the community, exploring topics at the intersection of disability, accessibility, compliance and belonging.
The following sessions will bring together students, faculty and staff to explore dynamic conversations, trainings and workshops pertaining to universal design, accessible classrooms, website accessibility, workplace accommodations and designing sensory-friendly events.
Celebrating Disability at Emory
Different, Not Deficient: Shifting the Way We See Disability
Monday, Nov. 10
Presenter: Brandi Benton, Director of Health Education, Center for Student Wellbeing
Time: 10-11 a.m. via Zoom
The “Different, Not Deficient” workshop explores what it means to recognize and support individuals with disabilities through the lens of well-being and shared humanity. This includes being able to challenge assumptions, ask meaningful questions, and create environments where everyone can thrive. Through reflection, real-world examples and interactive moments, participants will leave equipped to shift from awareness to action and seeing difference not as deficit, but as strength.
Note: This event was originally scheduled to take place in person. It has been updated to a virtual event due to the weather forecast.
Designing the Accessible Classroom
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Presenter: Jennifer Sarrett, Universal Design Consultant
Time: 2–3 p.m. via Zoom
In “
Designing the Accessible Classroom,” Jennifer Sarrett will discuss how the college classroom can be designed to be as accessible as possible to all students. Inspired by Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning, her approach encourages proactively removing potential barriers to access and addressing them so that all students can benefit. It’s accessibility beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is Universal Design for Learning beyond teaching different learning styles. Come ready to rethink your classroom policies, procedures and structures.
From Classroom to Career: Navigating Accommodations in the Workplace
Wednesday, Nov. 12
Presenter: Anthony LaPorte, Workplace Accommodation Specialist
Time: 4–5 p.m. via Zoom
As students prepare to move from the academic environment into professional life, understanding how disability-related accommodations operate in the workplace becomes essential. “
From Classroom to Career” will explore how the ADA applies in employment settings, how to request reasonable accommodations, and strategies for self-advocacy and disclosure. Participants will also gain insight into how the process differs from academic accommodations and what employers typically expect. The session is ideal for students preparing to enter the workforce as well as advisors, faculty and staff who support them in this transition.
Designing the Accessible Website
Thursday, Nov. 13
Presenter: Lisa Hagley, Web Developer-Creative Strategy
Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. via Zoom
Thinking accessibly is probably the fastest way to begin implementing accessible websites. There are many rules and seeming contradictions in the suggested guidelines in ensuring your website can reach the largest audience. “
Designing the Accessible Website” will review the steps you can take (and where to research when you’re stumped) to test your site and improve any issues you find. The target audience is the casual content creator who is not necessarily a developer. This webinar assumes some knowledge of content management systems like WordPress, Drupal or Cascade.
Designing Sensory-Friendly Events
Friday, Nov. 14
Presenter: Kelsey Bohlke, Assistant Director of Emory Oaks at Emory Autism Center
Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. via Zoom
Learn how to make your next event on campus (along with classes, office hours and other spaces) accessible for neurodivergent students at “
Designing Sensory-Friendly Events.” Presenters will use the Autism Celebration Month graduation event as an example of how to thoughtfully plan an event to be accessible.
The Department of Accessibility Services is committed to making workshops accessible to everyone. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please email your request to accessibility@emory.edu.
Requests should be made seven business days prior to the workshop.