Workshop Description: Start learning about disability, disability justice and the role we all play in making the world a more equitable and accessible for people of all ages with disabilities. You’ll learn more disability experiences and examine scenarios to determine how to reduce barriers and increase inclusion. This will be done through an interactive approach with some discussion, small group work, and other activities.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Hands-on Activity, Small group work
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Bios: Carrie Kerska, Karli John, and Heather Stelljes are three former middle and high school teachers now working in disability and accessibility field share more about what they've learned about disability identity, rights, and justice. They now work with disabled college students at the University of Wisconsin. They support equitable access for students with a variety of disability experiences and continue to do their own learning about disability justice.
Workshop Description: Disability Justice is a framework for disability activism that brings an intersectional lens to issues faced by disabled people using community building and collective problem-solving. Disability justice is a practice that requires action. This workshop will help students apply the principles of disability justice and explore possibilities for this work in their lives and communities.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Problem-solving, Advocacy / Action
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bios:
Helen Rottier is the Program Coordinator in the UW-Madison Disability Cultural Center. Her research and practice focuses on how disabled people know and learn, and the experiences of disabled people in education. She grew up in Madison and graduated from La Follette High School.
Lyn Murph Talley is an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying data science and economic analytics. Their background in disability activism at UW-Madison includes interning at the campus' Disability Cultural Center and serving as a co-president for the Disability Justice Society, an undergraduate organization.
Workshop Description: Autistic kids have unique health needs, but historically the healthcare system has not been set up to effectively meet those needs. Neurodiversity affirming healthcare is care that embraces neurodiversity and addresses the unique needs of children with autism. This workshop will help students learn what neurodiversity affirming healthcare looks like and explore ways to advocate in a healthcare setting.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Small group work, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Katie Kastner is a developmental pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin Waisman Center where she provides medical care for children with developmental delays and disabilities. She also works in medical education to provide training for medical students and residents related to disability advocacy and developmental care for children.
Workshop Description: Hunter has experienced being different his entire life. He is learning how to stand up for himself and to stand up for others. Ableism, discrimination against people with disabilities, is a real thing and we all can be a part of the solution.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Advocacy / Action, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: Tim Markle and Hunter Markle
Tim is the father of two young adults. Hunter is autistic and has mental health challenges and Sami has mental health challenges. Tim is unique in his own way, too. Tim is director of the Wisconsin Youth Health Transition Initiative at the University of Wisconsin Madison Waisman Center where he helps young adults and families prepare for adulthood. Hunter works part time and enjoys heavy metal music and D&D.
Workshop Description: Come have fun while we find ways we share the same experiences. In this 60 minute workshop we will play improv games to improve our listening skills and learn to find common ground with our scene partners. Activities will include warm up games, exploring the concept of "yes and.." and collaborative storytelling.
Participants can expect: Hands-on Activity, Movement, Game(s)
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Heather Renken ( She/ her/ hers) Heather is the Artistic Director at Encore Studio for the Performing Arts where she has worked as an Artistic Associate, drama coach, director and performer since 2012. She is an Improvisor for Atlas Improv Company in Madison and The Improv Lab in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Heather has taught drama and play writing with the Children's Theater of Madison for their Young Playwrights Program. She was a mentor for UW's First Wave project and taught drama for YMCA Sun Prairie for 5 years. Heather is Artistic Director Emerita for Broom Street Theater where she mentored and produced over 60 original plays and projects over her 7 year tenure.
Heather holds a BA in Theatre from Butler University where she graduated with High Honors in Theatre. She was nominated for two Portfolio Awards in Norfolk, Virginia for Costuming and Best Actress in a Musical. Heather has also received two Bartell Theatre Awards for Best Director of a Short in 2017 and for Best Original Play in 2019. Heather is one of three founders of The Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre and has served on the Boards of Broom Street Theater, Delicious Creative Incorporated, Dane 101 and Art and Sol Innovations.