"Universities worldwide are generally perceived as the fore-runners in promoting a progressive social agenda advancing society towards human rights, justice and equity. Therefore, Academia should serve as a leading example, at the fore-front of ensuring that people with disabilities have the abilities for employment and higher education and most importantly, we have the skills, ability and education to work as Professors, Lecturers and/or Researchers."
Kosanic et al. 2018.
Latest UN report on the disabled population and Sustainable Development Goals stressed the urgency of increasing the percentage of disabled youth completing tertiary education. The report also emphasized that we need more Teachers, Lecturers and Professors who are disability-aware.
As one of a dozen researchers with cerebral palsy worldwide, I have unique experiences and insights on this important topic.
At the conference of the American Association of Geographers in 2018, I’ve organized ‘Researchers with disabilities in the academic system’ panel. I’ve also given talks on the topic at the University of Leeds, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Konstanz.
In addition, I was invited by the US Embassy in Madagascar to give a talk on the importance of higher education for disabled youth.