Cal State San Bernardino is the third CSU to offer a disability studies minor, which takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning how to center disabled voices, experiences and perspectives. Students can begin registering on April 28, and the launch will be marked by a public talk on Sept. 8, featuring Elaine Hall, founder of The Miracle Project.
“Come as you are; you are not broken” is more than a motto, it’s a philosophy, said Dr. Chad Sweeney, current director and Faculty Fellow for Disability, Difference, and Accommodation. Since its opening in February 2024, The Cog: Neurodiversity Center has become an essential resource in extending the sense of safety and belonging for neurodivergent students on the CSUSB campus.
Jason F. Reimer (psychology) co-wrote a paper on a tool measuring how people concentrate, Jess Block Nerren (communication studies), Becky Sumbera and Shannon Sparks (education), J. Chad Sweeney (English) will participate in the public reading of a new book on Feb. 2, and Stuart Sumida (biology) reached a milestone as a film consultant.
The book, which includes several CSUSB contributors, explores the scholarly research related to autism inclusion, disability inclusion, disability studies, communication, critical scholarship, education, education reform and educational leadership.
"Where Is Hope: The Art of Murder," directed by Emmitt H. Thrower, a retired New York police officer, chronicles disabled victims killed by police as well as the activists/artists who are fighting to end police brutality against people with disabilities.