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Join us for a presentation and panel discussion about the history and ongoing struggle for disability rights in Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Smithsonian exhibition, The Bias Inside Us, now on display at the Chester County History Center (CCHC). This presentation will be held in-person at the History Center, with light refreshments and the opportunity to tour the exhibit before the event begins (doors open at 5pm for self-guided exploration of the exhibit and refreshments). We will also have a virtual attendance option. Please choose your preference at check-out.This program will start at 6:00pm with a 30-minute presentation on the history of the disability rights movement in Pennsylvania by Dr. Dennis Downey (Professor Emeritus, Millersville University.) His most recent publication “Exploring Disability History in Pennsylvania” received the 2023 Hervey B. Wilbur Historic Preservation Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and a 2023 Special Achievement Award from PA Museums. His forthcoming book, "Becoming Roland Johnson," explores the the life of Roland Johnson, whose journey took him from institutionalization at the notorious Pennhurst State School in Spring City, Pennsylvania (shut down in 1987 after allegations of abuse and neglect) to becoming an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
The program will continue with Rev. Caroline Cupp, who will address the disability rights movement today. Rev. Cupp is an ordained Presbyterian (USA) minister, writer, and disabled parent who is the author of several upcoming books on disability and relationships: "This is How We Play," "This is How We Talk," and "The Right to Belong" (all with Penguin Random House), and "Dateable "(Hachette). Her writing has also been featured in Yale Divinity School’s journal, "Reflections." She often serves in the role of advocate for the disabled.
Following these presentations, each approximately 30 minutes, the presenters and audience will be guided in a discussion by Diana Gonzalez, Racial Equity & Equitable Engagement Lead at Strategy Arts. Diana is a professional advocate committed to bringing her passion for community and healing to the communities she serves.
Admission is Pay as You Wish! Your donation is greatly appreciated. All proceeds benefit the development of future programming and the preservation of the History Center and its collections. The History Center is home to over 750,000 manuscripts, 100,000 photographs, and 70,000 artifacts. Your donation helps us to preserve and share those resources.
For those attending virtually: please select "Virtual Attendee" and double check that the email you enter is correct. We will email out a Zoom link the day of the presentation.
The Bias Inside Us is a community engagement project and exhibition on the science of bias. The exhibition is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Major support is provided by the Otto Bremmer Trust.
To Reserve Your Spot: https://buytickets.at/chestercountyhistorycenter/1924889
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
225 N High St, West Chester, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 19380
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