From Birth To Adulthood: Advancing Disability Access

Forbes

20 hours ago

In a world in which systems often exclude people with disabilities, Texas Southern University (TSU), the University of Guyana, and the Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) are stepping forward to address this population and its corresponding challenges and triumphs. This October, the three institutions will co-host a virtual conference that looks at disability access across the life span, from birth through adulthood, and from schooling to employment. The event is titled 'Exploring the Impact of Disability Access Across the Spectrum: Birth to Employment.
For TSU, the conference reflects more than academic interests. It builds on a broader institutional commitment to educational justice. According to Carl B. Goodman, provost at TSU, 'We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities to work with the community and connect students with faculty to address real-world issues. The conference directly supports the mission of our College of Education's special education program.'
As a Historically Black University (HBCU) located in Houston, Texas, TSU has historically served students from marginalized communities. Goodman shared that the university sees inclusion as an active responsibility: 'We want to help manufacture more inclusive and seamless pathways from early childhood through adulthood. We're here to learn from the lived experiences shared at the conference and shape more inclusive practices.'
The conference's global focus is also purposeful. According to Stephan Smith, CEO of AHEAD and a co-sponsor, 'While our area of focus is on higher education, of course, we recognize the importance of disability access at all levels. The experience of disability unites people across geographic bounds.'
The partnership with the University of Guyana brings a critical Caribbean perspective to the conversation. According to Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor and one of the conference organizers, 'In Guyana, as in many parts of the world, there is a welcome movement to reframe disabilities in the context of human dignity. Part of what we do at the University of Guyana is to try to give agency to the invisible.'
University of Guyana President Liddon Lashley also emphasized the complexities of supporting individuals with disabilities in the Caribbean. He stated, "Guyana is a post-colonial global South country with a significant proportion of the population being persons with disabilities, emergent and evolving diversities, additional needs, as well as various forms of neurodivergence. It is to form a catalyst of change in thinking so that all can belong, all can be accommodated, and all can achieve together.'
For disability practitioners like Glennis Daniels-Bacchus, who consults on disability support services, is a member of AHEAD, and is originally from Guyana, the issues are deeply personal. She shared, "I am excited to be a part of this conference and to share my professional and personal experience. Disability access must be seen through a continuum lens. We must think about how we prepare individuals for each phase of life—with schools, cultural groups, families, and employers all playing a part.'
Ultimately, the conference is focused on sparking more conversation. The organizers seek to influence policy, teaching, and public understanding of the topic. Scheduled for October, the virtual event will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and advocates from the U.S., the Caribbean, and other global regions. The goal overall will be to rethink how systems can be built not around barriers, but around access, dignity, and full participation.