Engagement and Belonging at Michigan Tech is proud to announce its partnership with the Accessible Keweenaw Initiative (AKI) in hosting the first-ever Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit (UPAS). This groundbreaking event will take place on September 26 and 27, 2024, at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts on the Michigan Tech campus.
Bringing Together Minds for Accessible Communities
UPAS aims to unite community planners, government entities, local businesses, organizations, education and recreation leaders, and community members. The summit will focus on the benefits of improving accessibility infrastructure in Upper Peninsula communities.
A Comprehensive Accessibility Experience
The Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain valuable insights, skills, and connections in the field of accessibility and inclusive design.
Featured Keynote Speakers
Kaelynn Partlow, RBT
Autism Advocate and TV Personality
Project Hope
Diagnosed with autism at ten and now an autism service professional, Kaelynn will share actionable insights on supporting those on the spectrum. She’ll discuss routines, meltdowns, and the impact of a supportive network, offering valuable takeaways to broaden your understanding and support for autistic individuals. Kaelynn was featured on Netflix’s Love On The Spectrum.
Robin Jones
Instructor, Director and Principal Investigator
Great Lakes ADA Center, Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois Chicago
Robin brings national expertise in disability rights and accessibility, helping you understand the importance of ADA compliance and inclusive practices.
Why Attend?
- Expand Your Market: Discover how improving accessibility can help businesses attract a broader customer base, including individuals with disabilities and their families.
- Expert Insights: Gain actionable strategies from leading experts on universal design, adaptive technologies, and accessibility standards.
- Comprehensive Learning Experience: The summit offers a big-picture overview of accessibility needs and solutions, fostering discussions on sustainable, accessible infrastructure in our communities.
- Hands-On Experience: Participate in workshops and demonstrations, including adaptive sports equipment, and meet organizations focused on accessibility across the Upper Peninsula.
- Community Engagement: Network with local business owners, community leaders, and organizations committed to making our region more accessible and inclusive.
Celebrating Accessibility Champions
A highlight of the summit will be the UPAS Community Accessibility Awards, honoring community members, projects, businesses, organization and local units of government who are unconditionally committed to the inclusion of people with visible and invisible disabilities, and who demonstrate compassion, understanding, and support accessibility in the Keweenaw.
Registration Information
To register and learn more, please visit UPAS ’24 Registration. Registration includes lunch, keynote sessions, workshops, vendor interactions, and the award ceremony.
Sponsorship and Support
The 2024 Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit is primarily sponsored by the Keweenaw Community Foundation’s Joe Freed Empowerment Fund. Additional local support comes from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, Michigan Technological University, U.P. Health Systems—Portage, Superior National Bank and Trust, and The Scooter Doctor.
For more information or to address specific accessibility needs, please contact UPAS24info@gmail.com.
Join us in making our region more accessible and inclusive for all!