Appalachia has long been considered a disabled region. It is widely understood as a “disability belt,” and anti-Appalachian systems are deeply entwined with dis/ablist ones. However, there has been limited conversation between the fields of Appalachian and Disability Studies, and Disabled Appalachian voices have been marginalized in both areas.
The Symposium on Dis/Ability and Debility in Appalachia seeks to foster an interdisciplinary and intersectional conversation on dis/ability and debility in the region, bringing together Disabled and Appalachian people, theorists, practitioners, advocates, and attendees at the many intersections of these identities.

The Symposium will be held  in the  Healthy Kentucky Building on the campus of the University of Kentucky and virtually via Zoom. Date TBA. Lunch and a light breakfast will be provided for in person attendees