In February, the Institute received invitations from the White House to two special events, in recognition of Black History Month.

On February 28, Institute Executive Director and Associate Research Professor Dr. Sally Gould-Taylor was joined by Michael McLendon, IOD staff, Leadership & Career Studies Graduate, and Self-Advocate; and Gingi Wingard, Temple University First Lady, Leadership & Career Studies Advisory Board Member, and Parent Advocate at the White House Black History Month Open House.

Leaders from around the country were invited to visit the White House. While no formal speaking program was scheduled, invitees were encouraged to take a self-guided tour and had the opportunity to network with other leaders who are advancing equity with and for the Black community. The Institute was invited by the White House "as a way of expressing our appreciation for your tremendous service and goal of advancing equity for all, including the Black disability community."

Earlier that month, Shawn Aleong, a member of President Biden’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and part of the Institute's research team, was invited to take part in the White House Office of Public Engagement's Black History Month Roundtable with Young Disabled Leaders webinar.

Photos

Sally Gould-Taylor, Michael McLendon, and Gingi Wingard together in The White House for the Black History Month Open House .

Young disabled Black leaders pose with other Black History Month Roundtable speakers.