AERA Expanding Access and Inclusion at Annual Meeting
AERA Expanding Access and Inclusion at Annual Meeting
 
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March 2024

AERA is pleased to announce that LaVant Consulting is partnering with AERA to give guidance on expanding access and inclusion for all attendees at the 2024 Annual Meeting and beyond.

LaVant Consulting helps organizations develop and implement inclusive strategies; craft and deliver accessible and inclusive marketing and education; and cultivate strong disability-inclusive communities to increase authentic disability representation and foster meaningful cultures of belonging.

With a jumpstart well before the Annual Meeting including a site visit to Philadelphia, the LaVant team has been examining all aspects of accessibility in terms of physical structure, materials, presentation of content, ease of travel, all-gender restrooms, and other support services.

With a two-person team coming onsite at the Annual Meeting, LaVant will not only be an invaluable resource for guidance on unanticipated issues but also experience everything about the Annual Meeting and a sampling of all types of sessions so that they can give additional guidance as AERA plans for 2025. 

As an association, AERA is committed to inclusion and values the contributions that attendees with disabilities bring to our research community. As outlined in the AERA Disability Access Statement, each presenter, chair, participant, attendee, and vendor at the Annual Meeting has a role to play in working together to create an inclusive meeting environment.

“AERA is committed to a culture of access, and we urge all presenters to prepare presentations in a manner that is maximally accessible,” said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine, as per the association policy on AERA Policy Guidance on Inclusive and Welcoming Meeting Environments. “We also aim to ensure that the meeting itself is supportive inclusive appreciative and kind to all attendees.”

“As we’ve expanded to include a consulting partner, we remain highly appreciative of the insights and support from the special advisory committee of the Disability Studies in Education SIG for their continued consultation on these important issues,” Levine said.