Disability Symposium

Optimize the Student Experience Through Campus Partnerships

Friday, March 13, 2026

Location: University of Pennsylvania, Houston Hall

In higher education, the student experience is shaped not only by academic rigor but also by the quality of support systems and the strength of campus-wide collaboration. As disability services evolve, so too must our strategies for fostering accessible environments. This year’s Symposium invites us to explore how partnerships across campus—between disability services, faculty, student affairs, cultural centers, technology teams, student organizations, and more—can enhance the student experience and remove barriers to access. 

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act laid the foundation for accessibility, but it is through intentional collaboration that we truly optimize support. Whether it’s co-developing processes for implementing accommodations, integrating assistive technologies, or coordinating holistic wellness initiatives, campus partnerships are essential to creating environments where disabled students can thrive. 

We encourage presenters to share case studies that highlight successful collaborations, lessons learned, and innovative practices. Proposals could include campus partners or students—whether as co-presenters or contributors—to emphasize the power of cross-functional teamwork. Let’s come together to reimagine what’s possible when we work in concert to support disabled students. 

The Weingarten Center looks forward to welcoming disability services professionals, faculty, staff, and students from Penn and our partner institutions to this year’s Disability Symposium. Please submit presentation proposals by Monday, November 17th.