Empowering Accessibility: Recap of the Inaugural Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit

The inaugural Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit (UPAS) was held on September 26 and 27, 2024, at Michigan Technological University's Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton, Michigan. This landmark event, hosted by the Accessible Keweenaw Initiative, brought together community leaders, business owners, advocates, and individuals with disabilities to explore and promote accessibility and inclusivity across the Upper Peninsula.

Summit Highlights:

  • Keynote Speakers: The summit featured inspiring presentations from Kaelynn Partlow, who shared her experiences living with autism, and Robin Jones, who provided valuable insights into disability rights and advocacy.

  • Breakout Sessions: Attendees participated in various sessions focusing on topics such as preparing adults with disabilities for the workforce, understanding accessibility standards, and the importance of inclusive language.

  • Panel Discussions: Engaging panels addressed the unique challenges and opportunities related to accessibility in rural and recreational areas, emphasizing the importance of universal design and community involvement.

  • Awards Ceremony: The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing individuals, organizations, and communities that have significantly improved accessibility throughout the Upper Peninsula.

Sponsorship and Support:

The Keweenaw Community Foundation's Joe Freed Empowerment Fund was a major sponsor of UPAS. This fund is dedicated to empowering individuals with mental and/or intellectual or developmental disabilities in the Copper Country region, aligning closely with the summit's objectives of fostering inclusivity and reducing barriers for individuals with disabilities.

Additional sponsor support can be found on the UPAS website.

Looking Ahead:

Building on the momentum of this successful inaugural event, plans are underway to make the Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit an annual gathering. The ongoing collaboration and dedication of community members and organizations ensure that the future is bright for accessibility initiatives in the region.

For more information on the summit and upcoming accessibility initiatives, please visit the Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit webpage.

The Upper Peninsula Accessbility Summit was largely sponsored by the KCF Joe Freed Empowerment Fund.

Kaelynn Partlow spoke about her experience living with autism.

U.P. Sail Disability Network shared information about accessibility standards.

Keweenaw Community Foundation