UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Members of the Penn State community are invited to participate in a livestream celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Penn State World Campus students Lauren Shevchek and Tanja Jefferson organized the event — which will include personal stories of impact, panel discussions, and more — to highlight how important the ADA is for community members, including their Penn State peers. The livestream is scheduled for July 30 from 3 to 7 p.m. ET on Zoom.
The event will feature a segment covering the history of the ADA, trivia, and an interactive panel on learning design and accessibility. Jefferson will present a Student Accessibility Study, a project that examines accessibility and represents students’ voices and perspectives. Jefferson serves as the chair of the Disability Advocacy Special Committee for the World Campus Student Government Association. She said the committee looks at issues facing students with disabilities and how learning can be made more accessible for all.
Terry Watson, Penn State World Campus associate director of Student Disability Services, and Leah Zimmerman, executive director of Student Disability Resources, will share information about Penn State accessibility efforts and inclusion and disability programs. Seria Chatters, interim vice provost for Educational Equity, will also speak during the four-hour livestream. Finally, campus community members will share their stories of how the ADA has impacted their lives.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various aspects of society, including equal access to education. It passed on July 26, 1990.
Both Shevchek and Jefferson will share their own testimonials during the event. Following an accident, Shevchek became quadriplegic and uses a wheelchair full-time. Jefferson grew up with a family member who was disabled and eventually was diagnosed with a dynamic invisible disability.
“I don't expect anyone to understand the challenges we face, unless they hear our stories and see life through our lenses — even for a moment,” Jefferson said. “Sharing my story, sharing the stories of the huge range of experiences of people living with a disability is how we create not just empathy, but appreciation for the necessity and importance of legislation like the ADA.”
Shevchek emphasized that accessibility is for everyone and encouraged Penn Staters to attend.
“Our livestream event aims to celebrate all the ADA has done for those with varying disabilities, promote education and understanding about life with a disability, while also looking toward the future with hope and passion to ensure these liberties are protected and expanded upon,” she said.
The anniversary livestream will also share information about newly launched support groups for both employees and students. “Pawsitively Different” is one of Penn State’s Employee Resource Groups, a voluntary and employee-led space for community-building and support.
Penn State World Campus students can connect with peers through affinity groups. The groups offer a safe space to share an identity, build connections, share experiences, and learn from each other. The Disability and Neurodivergence Affinity Group at World Campus is a space for all students, including those who are neurodivergent or disabled and community allies.
Attendees can register online for the July 30 livestream and submit questions in advance. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available. The livestream event is being planned in coordination with Penn State World Campus Student Affairs.