Can individuals with disabilities be valuable partners? Yes, they can! No one knows that better than Shane and Hannah Burcaw, hosts of YouTube’s “Squirmy & Grubs.” The popular inter-abled couple will share the hilarious ups and downs of their relationship during their virtual keynote address, part of Cameron University’s eighth annual Inclusion and Leadership Summit. It’s one of several topics that will be featured on Friday, April 21.
In addition to the virtual live keynote presentation, the summit will feature in-person sessions in the Johnson Auditorium, Room 111 of Ross Hall. All sessions are open to the public at no charge. Lunch will be provided during the keynote session.
The summit will kick off at 9 a.m. with “Alphabet Soup: LGBT+ Sexuality, Gender, and Identities” presented by Corey Sanders, a faculty member in CU’s Office of Teaching & Learning. Learn more about sexualities, gender identities, and definitions within the LGBT+ community as well a brief historical context of the communities as a whole, past and present. Greater awareness and understanding are instrumental in having respectful communication.
“Different Perspectives and Civil Conversations” will be presented by Rev. Dr. Willie Smith, Bethlehem Baptist Church, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. With the increase in the use of technology to communicate, it sometimes seems as though the art of having a civil conversation has gone the way of the rotary telephone. However, learning how to agree to disagree and listening to other perspectives are valuable skills that help us to evolve and mature.
From 11 to 11:45 a.m., a representative from the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma will present “Neuro-Inclusive Communication.” Neurodiversity refers to the way we learn, think, interact or process information. It is estimated that 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodiverse. Learn more about how neurodiverse individuals thrive in the workplace or classroom through effective communication and skills.
The summit will conclude with “Relationships & Disability” by Shane and Hannah Burcaw (aka “Squirmy & Grubs”) from 12 to 1 p.m. Presented live via Zoom, this session can also be attended remotely. To receive a secure Zoom link, please register at https://www.cameron.edu/summit.
The Inclusion and Leadership Summit is presented by Cameron University’s Office of Student Development and is made possible by CU Lectures and Concerts. For more information, call 580-581-2209 or email student_development@cameron.edu.
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