Experts on Disability Speakers Bureau
Project Description:
The IHDD ?Experts on Disability? Speakers Bureau:
For a number of years disability organizations have promoted the idea that individuals with disabilities and their families are the real experts when it comes to addressing issues around the needs of people with disabilities. Advocates are often invited to speak at meetings and conferences but, for the most part, they are not treated (or compensated) as professional speakers. Disability educators and service providers have seen this as ?providing people with an opportunity to speak out? rather than as a failure to provide compensation for professional services rendered. This has allowed for a perpetuation of the attitude of service ?to? people with disabilities ? but never service ?from? people with disabilities.
Through this project, IHDD will train and promote disability advocates as professional speakers on disability issues. IHDD faculty and staff as well as other professional consultants will help to train and provide assistive technology for 3 people with disabilities. During the first year of this project, each of the trainees will receive training in public speaking technique, as well as develop professional portfolios, press-kits, and audition videos that will allow them to market themselves as professional speakers, and negotiate speaking fees, honoraria, and the support that will allow them to pursue public speaking as a career.
Keyword(s):
Professional Public Speaking Self-Advocacy
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training
Area of Emphasis
Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
