“Our Shared Future: Centering Disability Stories” A Community Conversation Series

The Leland Township Public Library invites the community to participate in Our Shared Future: Centering Disability Stories, a five-part community conversation series designed to deepen understanding of disability history, culture, justice, and allyship while building a more accessible and equitable community for all.

Hosted by Derenda Lefevre of Open Your Eyes To Access (OYETA), the series begins February 3 and will take place monthly from 3:30–5:30 PM at the Leland Township Public Library, 203 E. Cedar St., Leland.

These Community Conversations are intended to be a progressive educational experience, with each session building upon the last and leading into the next.

Conversation Schedule & Themes

February 3 – Your Lens on Disability. At this first conversation, participants will establish gathering agreements, begin building relationships, and be introduced to the learning arc for the series. Attendees will explore their individual lens on disability and learn from a disability activist.

March 3 – Grounding in History. The second session dives into our complicated history with disability, including poor laws, institutionalization, “ugly laws,” eugenics, and the object of normality. Participants will explore how these histories have shaped attitudes and community spaces.

April 7 – Activism, Resistance & Resilience. Conversation three will examine major events in the Disability Rights Movement, celebrate disabled leaders who challenged societal perceptions, and explore the advocacy that led to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

May 5 – Disability Justice. The fourth session focuses on shared language, disability etiquette, the characteristics of ableist culture and its antidotes, the future of accessibility, and a celebration of disability culture.

June 2 – Building Ally Culture & Community. The final conversation will explore what meaningful allyship looks like, identify concrete actions participants can take, highlight opportunities for continued education, celebrate and uplift the disabled community, and conclude with the Disability Solidarity Pledge.

Continuing Education & Accessibility

Refreshments will be served at each session. Documentation for continuing education credits — including learning objectives and proof of attendance — will be available upon request.

Community members are encouraged to attend all five sessions, though participation in individual conversations is welcome. To RSVP, request additional information, or arrange accommodations, contact the Leland Township Public Library at (231) 256-9152 or visit www.lelandlibrary.org

About Leland Township Public Library: The Leland Township Public Library is committed to fostering inclusive learning, civic engagement, and lifelong education for residents and visitors of Leelanau County.