The 8th Annual African American Conference on Disabilities was a great success! Over 300 people participated in sessions that covered topics from Preventing Abuse of People with Disabilities, Addressing Mental Health in the African American Community and Child Advocacy and the African American Family, among others. Participants also heard from several guest speakers, including Maria Cristina Fuentes, Director of the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family, Rep. Reginald Bolding (Legislative District 27) and Commissioner Thomas Hicks of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Each spoke on the importance of this conference and the work that is being done for and on behalf of the disability community.
This conference is the only one of its kind in the nation that addresses the intersection between race and disability. African Americans with disabilities face challenges of race and disability discrimination that the broader community overlooks and views with indifference. The goal of the conference is to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities and to provide the African American community, organizations, and individuals who serve the community, with cultural and linguistic competent information and resources.
Many thanks to our sponsors, vendors, and staff that helped make this day possible.
Take a moment to view scenes from this year’s conference.