This is the second in a two-part series about creating an inclusive workplace, and the focus of this part is invisible disabilities. An invisible disability can be defined as “a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” (Source: Invisible Disabilities Association). In this “So, You Wanna . . .?” episode, panelists will explore three questions:

• Why should you make your workplace more inclusive for people with invisible disabilities? 
• How can you make your workplace more inclusive for people with invisible disabilities? 
• What is the result of making the workplace more inclusive for people with invisible disabilities?

This series is brought to you by the Professional Engagement, Growth & Advancement SIS and the AALL Continuing Professional Education Committee.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Anyone at any professional level who wants to hear and think about invisible disabilities in the context of creating a more welcoming workplace. 

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will be able to identify some characteristics of invisible disabilities.
   
2. Participants will be able to describe ways to make their workplace more inclusive for people with invisible disabilities.
   
3. Participants will be able to describe the benefits of making their workplace more inclusive for people with invisible disabilities.
   

SPEAKERS:

• Deane Deane, Fenwick & West, LLP
• JJ Poinke, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Mari Cheney, Lewis and Clark Law School's Boley Law Library

MODERATOR/COORDINATOR:

• Sabrina A. Davis, Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Professionalism + Leadership At Every Level

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES

No refunds will be given for any purchased live AALL webinar. This applies to non-AALL members only; live AALL webinars are free for AALL members.

View the webinar transcript

Mari Cheney is the associate director of research and instruction at Lewis and Clark Law School's Boley Law Library in Portland, Oregon. One of her scholarly interests includes how libraries can be more inclusive for both d/Deaf and hard of hearing patrons and librarians and she has published articles on these topics. As a hard-of-hearing law librarian, Mari is passionate about increasing accommodations and accessibility through universal design. 

Deane Deane is an openly neurodivergent law librarian, currently working at Fenwick & West, LLP. They spoke about their neurodivergence in the 2021 AALL Diversity Symposium, and they view and write about their invisible disabilities from an intersectional perspective. They care deeply about disability justice for all and about creating a culture of inclusiveness in the workplace by treating diverse individuals with respect and human kindness.

JJ Poinke is the Applied Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is an award-winning librarian whose research revolves around disability and accessibility for library patrons and employees. His most recent work focuses on the educational and competency needs of library science graduate students and current library employees, in regards to disability and accessibility in libraries.