“Special is a Label”: Challenging Ableism and Promoting Inclusion in Higher Education

“Special is a Label”: Challenging Ableism and Promoting Inclusion in Higher Education
Portia Allie-Turco, Ph.D.

This session will explore societal prejudice against disability, starting with historical views framing disability as a punishment to ongoing stereotypes that associate disability with misfortune, poor lifestyle choices, or bad genetics. These beliefs negatively influence public policies and public attitudes by shaping how individuals with disabilities are perceived and treated across different historical periods and into the present day.

Portia Allie-Turco, PhD., LMHC, NCC, is an assistant professor, program coordinator, and clinic director at the State University of New York, Plattsburgh. She owns Adirondack Mental Health Counseling PLCC, a private practice offering counseling, supervision, and consultation services. Her research and clinical focus is on the treatment of racial, historical, and generational trauma and dismantling oppressive systems using indigenous and somatic healing approaches.