Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, College of Education

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

September 15: Air Travel While Disabled, a virtual discussion.

Join us on 9/15 from 7-8 PM ET for “Air Travel While Disabled," a FREE virtual discussion of the challenges, tips, and tricks to airplane adventures. This webinar will feature disabled travelers Elizabeth Dicker, Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson, and Emily Ladau, moderated by Rosemary McDonnell-Horita. All of our webinars are live captioned and include ASL interpretation. Register at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars and spread the word!

These webinars are part of our educational series titled OUR RIDE AHEAD, from the team behind the Emmy® Award-winning feature documentary, . Made possible through a grant from Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. A recording will be sent out to all who register.

Image Description: A navy, yellow, and orange promotional graphic with text reading "OUR RIDE AHEAD: Air Travel While Disabled." There are headshots of Rosemary McDonnell-Horita, Emily Ladau, Elizabeth Dicker, and Brittanie Hernandez-Wilson. Text below reads "September 15, 4:00 pm PST/7:00pm EST, Virtual, RSVP for FREE at rideaheadfilm.com/webinars." In the bottom right corner is a white Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation logo with text above "with support from".

08/12/2026

What you can do to protect the rights of disabled people to live in their own homes and communities?

On Wednesday, August 19th, from 4 pm - 5:15 pm ET, join this webinar provided by American Association of People with Disabilities, for updates and recommendations.

Recent Justice Department actions have threatened to undermine disabled people’s rights under foundational disability civil rights laws. AAPD and our partners are hosting a webinar on Wednesday, August 19, to help you navigate these threats and protect your rights.

Speakers will address the importance of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and the rights that disabled people have under the ADA and Section 504 to live in their own homes and communities, discuss how recent threats may affect these rights, and teach you what you can do to protect them.

The integration mandate of the ADA and Section 504 is one of the most fundamental rights that disabled people have, and it is critical that we take collective action to preserve it. Please join us on Wednesday, August 19th, from 4 PM - 5:15 PM ET to learn how.

You’ll receive updates and resources from policy leaders fighting for our rights – Maria Town, President and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities, Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Cathy Costanzo, Executive Director of the Center for Public Representation, and Alison Barkoff, Hirsh Health Law & Policy Associate Professor and Hirsh Program Director at GW Milken Institute School of Public Health

ASL and CART will be provided. Please contact [email protected] to request any other accommodations, and be sure to register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xHzUA2CBQAOLx8vh7H7c6Q

Image Description: A royal blue graphic has a black-and-white photo on the right of a protest sign that says “Our Homes NOT Nursing Homes” and text that conveys the same information as the caption. The logos for the co-presenting organizations are featured.

08/11/2026

There are a lot of reasons why Health Equity matters to us. 💚

It's what drives the work we do, the conversations we have, and the communities we're committed to supporting.

We are proud to team up with Black Girls With Green Thumbs to share what Health Equity means to us and why it matters. 🌱

08/10/2026

Our Associate Director of Policy, Jamie Ray-Leonetti, tabled at the Bridging Knowledge to Know-How Conference in Lancaster last week on behalf of the IOD and TechOWL. The conference brought together PA disability educators, community partners, families, and youth, and was a great place to present our resources and programs.

Thanks for your work, Jamie!

08/06/2026

We're soaking up the last few weeks of summer before campus comes back to life.

Soon, these sidewalks will be filled with familiar faces, new beginnings, and the excitement of a new semester for many members of the Temple campus community.

What's the first place you're stopping when you're back on campus?
👇️ Share your go-to campus spot in the comments.

07/31/2026

Last Saturday, parents, caregivers, and children were invited to spend the day outside at Tustin Playground for the Philadelphia Interagency Coordinating Council (PICC) Family Fun Day. There were organized activities, snacks, prizes and giveaways, snack bags and pizza. Stacy Phillips, Project Coordinator, represented the IOD Family Leadership team to provide useful resources for families. Elwyn Early Learning Services was also in attendance to share resources with families receiving Early Intervention.

07/20/2026

The Institute on Disabilities was proud to provide information about our programs and resources at Disability Pride Erie and Washington in the past few weeks. Thanks to our Western PA Coordinator, Guy Caruso, who tabled at both events!

07/16/2026

A few weeks ago, two staff members from the IOD's Research and Evaluation team, Eva Weiss and Jen Taylor Eaton, presented a wide variety of findings from their team at AAIDD's 2026 conference in Chicago. Great work, Eva and Jen!

07/10/2026

On July 8, Governor Josh Shapiro announced 28 new appointments to the newly established Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. Congratulations to all appointed, as well as to Western Pennsylvanian Dr. Josie Badger on her appointment as Executive Director! The Commission will work to advance disability policy, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to resources for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families. We look forward to the impact of Dr. Badger's leadership across the Commonwealth.