A new conference is inviting abstracts for research, art, posters, and other presentations about disability and health in the Appalachian region.
The University of Kentucky’s Appalachian Center is hosting a Symposium on Disability and Debility in Appalachia on Saturday, September 28 at the Healthy Kentucky Research Building in Lexington.
Mack Thompson is a student with the Appalachian Center and an organizer of the symposium. He said all kinds of abstracts and exhibits are welcome, including less conventional research.
“It’s not just for people that feel like they have enough scholarship or enough knowledge of, like, explicit research to present. Research can look like so many different things, and really, at the end of the day the importance is bringing together different types of knowledge and different conversations,” said Thompson.
He said presenters are encouraged to use an ‘elevator presentation’ format, allowing five to ten minutes to highlight key research points or share art, poetry, or personal stories.
He added the symposium’s discussions will be free-flowing and open, but some potential subjects can include black lung, healthcare accessibility, community services, and other topics exploring the intersection of disability in Appalachia.
Thompson said presenters are encouraged to use an ‘elevator presentation’ format, allowing five to ten minutes to highlight key research points or share art, poetry, or personal stories.
“We’re also trying to challenge the ways that we share knowledge. So, we also have an art gallery if you want to submit a piece of art. And we’re also allowing people to present, or just get up and talk about like, ‘Hey, this is something that’s impacted my life.' 'Hey, I’m from this area and this is something that I’m personally experiencing.’”
Abstracts must be submitted online by August 23. Potential presenters must also complete the attendee registration form, which closes on September 9. In-person and remote options are available for presentations and attendance. The symposium is free of charge, and a lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. More information on registration and schedules can be found by emailing appalachiadisability.symposium@gmail.com, and registration is available at the Appalachian Center website.