Larry Edmonds

Arizona State University, USA

Title: Serious Business: Embracing Those Who Suffer with Invisible (Dis)abilities

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Biography

Larry Edmonds is an educator and professional speaker with over 20 years of experience at Arizona State University (ASU). He holds degrees in Communication and a doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from ASU, where he has earned several fellowships and teaching awards. Edmonds? is also a member of the Honors faculty and serves on the advisory board for Diversity in Organizations, Communities, and Nations. An accomplished author, his latest book focuses on intersectionality and student engagement. He has presented at national conferences and performs historical reenactments of notable Arizona figures.

Abstract

This live in-person session offers information on the difficulties individuals with invisible "disabilities" encounter in workplaces and other spaces, how to remove many of those obstacles for co-workers/employees, why remove them, as well as applicable aspects of American with Disabilities laws. The session has been proven over and again to be quite motivational for many attendees. 

A large number of workplaces employ individuals who suffer from invisible "disabilities," such as neurodivergent conditions, diabetes and others, yet many healthcare professionals, co-workers, and supervisors do not understand the struggles these people face, nor do they understand how to help remove barriers to work or how to create a more user-friendly workplace and culture for everyone. Attendees learn about the staggering list of invisible (dis)abilities and the barriers that often are overlooked in various contexts, such as the workplace, the doctor’s office, and other seemingly “user-friendly” spaces. This session can help your staff to better understand what invisible disabilities are and how to address them effectively.