Disability Cultural Center and the Office of Sustainability host “Access to the Environment” panel

4 staggered circles of different sizes connected by a lineRepresentatives from the Disability Cultural Center and the Office of Sustainability hosted an “Access to the Environment” panel on Nov. 28, 2023.

The panel covered the intersections of disability climate justice and sustainability, allowing each panelist to speak on how accommodations and disabilities are a part of their work. The five panelists were Emmet Lockwood (Associated Students of Madison), Helen Rottier (Disability Cultural Center); and Laura Wyatt (Lakeshore Nature Preserve), Patrick Kass (Transportation Services) and Top Tantivivat (facilities access specialist, Campus Planning & Design) representing FP&M.

Each panelist spoke about how accommodations and disabilities are a part of their work. Rottier talked about the creation of the Disability Cultural Center and what disability culture is.

“There are so many opportunities for inclusion within the natural areas on campus,” said Laura Wyatt. “Having any kind of building on the site would enable so many enhancements, including area for storage of accommodation equipment such as wheel chairs, a mini tram to shuttle folks to the tip of Picnic Point, and all-terrain vehicles. I look forward to more engagement.”

Learn more about this event by reading UW Disability Cultural Center hosts “Access to the Environment” panel.