{"id":176237,"date":"2023-12-14T11:25:18","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T16:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=176237"},"modified":"2023-12-14T15:28:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T20:28:38","slug":"best-buddies-international-hosts-historic-first-hbcu-accessibility-and-inclusion-symposium","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/2023\/12\/14\/best-buddies-international-hosts-historic-first-hbcu-accessibility-and-inclusion-symposium\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Buddies International Hosts Historic First HBCU Accessibility and Inclusion Symposium"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”176244″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Miami, FL, Dec. 14, 2023<\/strong> \u2014 Best Buddies International<\/strong>, a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment, leadership development and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), hosted its first annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities Accessibility<\/strong> (HBCU) and Inclusion Symposium<\/strong> on Sept. 14, 2023.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nearly 200 participants from HBCUs and MSIs attended the symposium. Attendees discussed the best methods to create a more inclusive culture on HBCU and MSI campuses to support students with IDD.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe inaugural symposium was a resounding success thanks to the incredible contributions of our presenters, staff, volunteers, leaders and community members,\u201d Joseph Canty<\/strong>, the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Best Buddies International, said. \u201cPartnering with HBCUs and MSIs provides an opportunity for us to raise awareness about students with IDD to reduce stigmas, increase acceptance and support capacity building on these campuses to create more inclusive communities. As a parent of a child with IDD, HBCU grad and educator, it was an honor to moderate the panels for this symposium.\u201d<\/p>\n

The day started with special presentations from Best Buddies Ambassadors and industry and educational trailblazers. These leaders also led panel discussions on accessible campuses, capacity building, workforce diversity, identities and disabilities, student leadership and more.<\/p>\n

“Being able to discuss the work of diversity, equity and inclusion with colleagues from around the world was wonderful,\u201d Kevin Maxwell<\/strong>, the accessibility coordinator at North Carolina A&T State University, said. \u201cI left with ideas that will be useful to my institution as the IDD community grows.\u201d<\/p>\n

The symposium also featured student-led panels on career and community service opportunities that focus on building inclusive social and workplace environments. Attendees engaged in group discussions with university and industry professionals to address broader community issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.<\/p>\n

\u201cConversations like those held at the symposium are necessary,\u201d TaNia McClary<\/strong>, the chapter president at North Carolina A&T State University, said. \u201cI really enjoyed my experience as a student volunteer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The incredible success of the symposium marks a significant achievement for Best Buddies in significantly expanding programmatic awareness to HBCUs and MSIs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis symposium has shown us the power of collaboration and the genuine desire to create a more inclusive world,\u201d Canty said. \u201cI extend my heartfelt thanks to all who participated and look forward to the continued collaboration and progress that will result from this event.\u201d<\/p>\n

The full list of panelists and speakers included:<\/p>\n