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Best Buddies International HBCU Accessibility & Inclusion Symposium

hbcu symposium banner

Best Buddies International is excited to invite you to participate in our HBCU Accessibility & Inclusion Symposium!


Register now

This event is scheduled to take place online via Zoom on Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 9:00 am – 4:00 p.m. EST. We welcome students, faculty, administrators, community leaders, and corporate partners from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to attend this online event. Our goal is to raise awareness about intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), discuss methods to support all students, and foster inclusive communities that value contributions from everyone.

Throughout the symposium, you’ll have the chance to hear from inspiring keynote speakers, engage in panel discussions led by educators and industry experts, and attend presentations on various topics like leading through an inclusive lens, capacity building at HBCUs and MSIs, identities and disabilities, and the future of workforce diversity. Our focus is on building inclusive environments both on and off campus.

We’ll also be sharing practical skills and strategies for supporting students with IDD, discussing pre-college support, and offering guidance for excelling in college and preparing for future careers. It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow.

But that’s not all! During a lunch session, you’ll have the chance to connect with our Best Buddies International staff, participants, and volunteers. We want to hear from you and discuss how we can support your communities and address broader community issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

This symposium is also a fantastic networking opportunity. You’ll have the chance to collaborate and connect with peers from other HBCUs, creating a strong and supportive network.

We truly believe that together, we can create a more inclusive and equal future for all. So, what are you waiting for? Join us and be a part of this transformative experience. We can’t wait to see you there!

Group of black students

Schedule:

Thursday, September 14, 2023

9:00 am
Welcome & Introduction to the Best Buddies HBCU Accessibility & Inclusion Symposium

9:05 am
Opening Remarks

9:15 am – 9:20 am
Presentation: Identities & Disabilities: An Educators Perspective

9:25 am – 10:00 am
Panel Discussion: Disabilities & Inclusive Spaces (In and Outside of the Classroom)

10:00 am – 10:10 am
Break

10:15 am – 10:30 am
Key Note: Community Engagement & Partnerships

10:35 am – 11:20 am
Panel Discussion: Student Perspective as a Best Buddies Volunteer

11:25 am – 12:10 pm
Panel Discussion: Accessibility & Capacity Building at HBCUs and MSIs

12:15 pm – 12:50 pm
Lunch & Learn (Partnering with Best Buddies: Lunch & Learn) for students, HBCU & MSI faculty, community leaders, and business professionals

1:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Presentation: Best Buddies College Student/Jobs Participant: What does support Look Like?

1:20 pm – 2:00 pm
Panel Discussion: Corporate Social Responsibility & The Future of Workforce Diversity

2:00 pm – 2:10 pm
Break

2:15 pm – 2:40 pm
Panel Discussion: Exploring Career Opportunities Through Community Service

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Key Note: “Accessibility Is On My Mind” Communicating & Leading Through an Inclusive Lens

3:05 pm – 3:35 pm
Group Discussion on Capacity Building & Leading Inclusive Communities

3:45 pm
Acknowledgments & Closing Remarks

4:00 pm
Symposium Concludes

Register now

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