KPU’s Inaugural Anti-Ableism & Disability Justice Symposium
KPU’s Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities is excited to partner with the Office of the Provost through the Lead Advisor on Disability, Accessibility and Inclusion to bring you the inaugural Anti-Ableism & Disability Justice Symposium:
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Location: KPU Surrey Conference Centre
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
This one-day symposium brings together scholars, students, faculty, staff, and community partners to critically examine ableism and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to create greater awareness within the wider KPU community and to foster collaborations for change.
The day will include:
Keynote Address:
A keynote address will be given by Dr. Laverne Jacobs, Professor of Law, University of Windsor, Research Chair in Disability Equality and Administrative Justice and Canada’s representative to the UNCRPD.
Panel Presentation:
A panel presentation will include Dr Jacobs as well as community partners:
- Dr. Michael Bach, adjunct professor, Toronto Metropolitan University, Disability Studies; retired executive director, New Society Institute; expert in legal capacity and intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Dr. Rheanna Robinson, professor First Nations Studies, University of Northern BC; member of the Provincial Accessibility Advisory Committee; Indigenous scholar on disability
- Dr. Erika Cedillo, Inclusion BC, Director of Public Policy and Programs; an expert in inclusive education
Student Presentations:
Students in Dr. Fiona Whittington-Walsh’s Sociology of Health and Disability course will be sharing their work exploring ableism and the UNCRPD.
Students and faculty that are part of the Social Justice Theatre group will be performing.
Accessibility Information:
This symposium will be recorded and shared on OEIC’s website post event.
ASL interpreters will be provided.
A low sensory safe space will be provided.
Masks are recommended.
For queries, please email the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities at oeic@kpu.ca
Please register to help us with event planning and catering.
