Miami celebrates disability identity and culture month
Events throughout the month of October are designed to recognize, uplift, and explore the diverse experiences of people with disabilities.
Miami celebrates disability identity and culture month
Miami University is celebrating disability identity and culture month throughout October with a series of events designed to recognize, uplift, and explore the diverse experiences of people with disabilities. From nationally known guest speakers to creative showcases and hands-on competitions, this month’s programming invites all members of the Miami community to engage, learn, and celebrate disability.
“Celebrating Disability Identity and Culture Month at Miami affirms the voices and experiences of disabled students, fosters a more inclusive campus community, and highlights the importance of access and belonging for all,” said Dan Darkow, director of student disability services. “We hope to deepen understanding of disability as a vital part of the Miami community, challenge stereotypes, and create meaningful opportunities for connection, advocacy, and empowerment.”
What’s happened so far?
Puzzle competition, held Oct. 8. Photo by Hope Sweeney.The month began with opportunities for connection, creativity, and reflection. Students gathered for the DIY de-stress event, taking time to paint rocks and canvases while engaging in community care through rest and self-expression. The Miller Center also hosted a screening of The Ride Ahead, a new documentary by disability advocate Samuel Habib, which sparked meaningful conversations about access, adulthood, and self-determination. Most recently, the center’s jigsaw puzzle competition brought together teams of students in a friendly competition, featuring puzzle art created by a disabled artist with the powerful slogan The Future is Disabled. Each event celebrated disability culture in its own way, grounding the month in creativity, pride, and collective joy.
What’s next?
Keynote speakers: Squirmy and Grubs
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7–8 p.m., Shriver Center, JDOL
The beloved influencers behind Squirmy and Grubs, Shane and Hannah Burcaw, will serve as the keynote speakers for the month. Their presentation will focus on the true reality of being in an interabled relationship, including some highlights and lowlights from their own personal love story. Their intention is to identify and debunk the damaging misconceptions and stigmas that society holds about disability. Following the lecture, Shane and Hannah will be available to sign copies of their book Interabled: True Stories About Love and Disability from Squirmy & Grubs and Other Interabled Couples, available for on-site purchase.
DisBINGO: learn and play
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6–7:30 p.m., Shriver Center, JDOL
Students can test their knowledge and learn about disability history through a fun and interactive game of DisBINGO. Winners will take home prizes such as snuggies, squishmallows, loop headphones, fidgets, and more, all while deepening their understanding of disability culture and history.
Beyond the frame: disability perspectives art gallery
All month long, Shriver Center 304
Beyond the Frame is a unique art gallery exhibition showcasing the creative talents of students, faculty, and staff. The exhibition centers on the theme of disability, inviting artists to explore the experiences, challenges, triumphs, and diverse perspectives of individuals with disabilities. Through various visual art forms, the gallery challenges viewers to look beyond conventional narratives and consider the richness and complexity of disability as both a personal and collective experience. Beyond the Frame aims to foster greater understanding, inclusion, and dialogue within our community, emphasizing the power of creativity to bridge gaps and transform perspectives.
Accessibility symposium
Thursday, Oct. 24, all day
The 10th annual accessibility symposium brings together experts, educators, and students to explore current trends in accessible technology and universal design. The event highlights practical strategies for creating inclusive classroom and marketing materials, ensuring that technology continues to open doors for all learners. The day will feature a keynote from Belinda Worley of Xbox (Microsoft) on "Inclusive Design - Designing for Accessibility in Gaming," where she will detail Microsoft's approach to accessible gaming and how they design products with inclusion in mind. Registration remains open and you are encouraged to register now!
LEGO Competition: Build for Fun and Inclusion
Monday, Oct. 28, 6–9 p.m., Armstrong Pavilion A
Closing out the month is the Ultimate LEGO Competition, where students can test their building skills and creativity individually or in teams of up to four. The first 15 teams to register will be guaranteed a spot, and spectators are welcome to attend and vote for their favorite builds. Doors open at 6 p.m., and teams will have two hours to construct their creations before judging begins.
All events are free. Follow @MiamiOH_MillerCenter on Instagram for the latest details.
