For the past fourteen years I have been speaking about disability awareness topics. Nothing exhilarates me more than engaging an audience – sharing my knowledge, experience, and humor and moving participants to a greater place of consciousness and cultural sensitivity.
My experience includes:
2012-present Disability: The Same But Different
2009-present Ability privilege
2006-2010 My socialization as a young girl transitioning from able-bodied to disabled
2004-2010 History and structure of the Americans with Disabilities Act for undergraduate students
2000-2003 Discussion of my lived experience with disability and obtaining and attending college with a service dog
Selected other topics:
2011 Partnership with service providers and systems, Leadership in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND), Center for Leadership in Disability, Georgia State University
2010 “Who I Am BECAUSE of Disability, Not in Spite of It” – Witness Testimony for Faith and Light of Greater Atlanta program
2007 Disability Awareness Month Talk, Defense Contract Management Agency – Atlanta
2006 Sexuality and disability discussion based on my Master’s thesis to undergraduate students
I am also willing to speak about other disability awareness topics. Let’s chat about it!
But don’t take my word for it:
“Laura Overstreet is an addition to any transformative learning experience or discussion. Her articulation of ability privilege is both accessible and challenging; truly perfection for starting a revolution of consciousness.” – Bethany Stevens, JD, MA Faculty Member & Policy Analyst, Center for Leadership in Disability, College of Health & Human Sciences, Georgia State University“For several years, Ms. Overstreet has been delivering hands on awareness and sensitivty training to students that facilitates not only understanding but the embracing of ability privilege ideology. She lends an approach of empowerment and courage to be the change agent of historic institutional and social inequity. Don’t miss her unique voice.” – Patricia Burnside-Eaton, MPA Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Work & Human Services, Kennesaw State University“I was really impacted when Laura Overstreet did her presentation on Ableism. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 4 and told I was going to be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life. Although I went into remission, I saw how I could have easily been in Laura’s place doing that speech. I was always embarrassed and ashamed of this disease and she showed me that there were other children that went through what I went through. It impacted me enough to relate to her and see that we are all equal and only temporarily able bodied. She is truly an inspiration to me, showing me that it is possible not only to overcome but become stronger, smarter, and wiser from each obstacle life throws at us.” – Veronica Musial, student
“Laura Overstreet made quite the impression. I’d never heard anyone speak of disability with such a natural voice, as she did. There was no speech or lecture given that day, but rather a storytelling between friends that was so real and casually humorous, it left me feeling as if I’d known Ms. Overstreet for years.” – Gilbert Smith, student**I would love to speak to your class, group, organization, or company! Please e-mail me at laura (at) leftybydefault (dot) com for more information.**
My employment and educational background are as follows:
Employment:
Kennesaw State University, August 2010 to present
Adjunct Instructor, Department of Social Work and Human Services
Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness, 2003-2005
2005 – Program Coordinator
2004 – Program Assistant; Social and Administrative Assistant
2003 – Data Entry Specialist
Education:
M.A., Sociology, Georgia State University, 2008
Thesis: “Splitting Sexuality and Disability: A Content Analysis and Case Study of Internet Pornography Featuring a Female Wheelchair User.”
M.A. Concentration in Gender and Sexuality
B.S., Human Services, Kennesaw State University, 2003
B.S. Related Studies in Families and Children
No comments:
Post a Comment