Join us for our Spring 2024 ADA Symposium where our keynote speaker will describe intersections of the broader disability community. 

Event details

Thursday, March 21 
10 a.m.-2 p.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
PFW/IU Fort Wayne Campus
International Ballroom
Walb Student Union, Union Circle Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46815

Parking is available in Parking Garage 2 (P2)

Register for the ADA Amplified Symposium

Lunch, provided by the Genesis Health Bar, will be served to all attendees at noon. Each attendee will receive a copy of the award-winning book Disability Visibility, which is edited by renowned activist Alice Wong. 

What is intersectionality?

There is tremendous diversity and multiculturalism that exists within the disability community (Disability Visibility Project, n.d.). Disability is not a homogenous category as there is significant and important heterogeneity that exists under the disability umbrella (CDC, 2020). An essential part of understanding and addressing health inequities that people living with a disability face is to learn more about the different experiences of diverse groups that add to the multi-cultural makeup of the disability community (Administration for Community Living, 2020). 

Aaron Eckhardt

Recently, started as the Deputy Director of the Coalition for Homeless Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) in Indianapolis. Aaron brings 25+ years of social work practice and experience working with multiple populations and communities. As well as 17+ years of Nonprofit Senior Leadership and governance experience. Aaron also served as a member of the Governance Committee of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) for six years. Aaron is the most recent past chairperson for the Ohio Family Violence Prevention Council, which advises the Ohio Governor on all matters relating to family violence. Aaron has spent years developing and delivering cultural competency/humility and anti-oppression training. In addition, over the past 20 years, Aaron has developed and provided training and program technical assistance throughout the United States. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, they graduated from Upper Arlington High School and Capital University. They began their career in Kentucky working in child protection social work. After graduating with their Master of Social Work from Spalding University, they moved to Chicago, IL, and worked for seven years developing and providing services to those experiencing homelessness. They also have and currently serve on many boards, coalitions, and community committees. Aaron lives in the Victorian Village neighborhood of Columbus, OH, and enjoys all things baseball, amateur photography, listening to music, and singing whenever possible. They also love spending time with their partner and two dogs, Nieko and Regina.

Schvalla R. Rivera, Ph.D., CDE

Schvalla R. Rivera, Ph.D., CDE, serves as the inaugural Director for the United Front Initiative,  an organization under the umbrella of Fort Wayne United. Dr. Rivera is the founder and CEO of Consiliaris LLC, a coaching and consultant firm.  She brings 20 years of experience in higher education administration, policy, Inclusion, and Belonging. Dr. Rivera is a Certified Diversity Executive and collaborates with executive leadership to create institutional policies and respond to bias-related incidents. She also collaborates with leaders to increase cultural competency by facilitating dialogues, increasing self-awareness, and providing opportunities for people to engage across differences. 

Dr. Rivera is passionate about mentoring and career advocacy. She holds a B.A. in Social Science from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, a Master's in Political Science and International Relations, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana State University. A firm believer in servant leadership, her work is her passion and calling. She hopes to change the world through education, engagement, grace, and humor.