From Otherness to Inclusion: Understanding Microaggressions and Enhancing Quality of Work Life for People with Disabilities Through Community Based Participatory Approach

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Location: ROOM: Waldorf Room >>> DIRECTIONS: Third Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, proceed left. Waldorf is the first room on your left.

Corresponding Presenter(s)

Eun-Jeong Lee (she/her/hers)

Professor
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI, United States

Slides Slides

Presenter(s)

Vanalyn Quichocho (she/her/hers)

Graduate Studebt
Illinois institute of Technology
Chicacgo, IL, United States

Non-Presenting Contributor(s)

Nicole Ditchman, PhD, CRC, LCPC, CVE

Associate Professor
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Xinyi Zhang

PHD student
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, Illinois, United States

This symposium explores how subtle forms of bias—known as microaggressions—affect the workplace experiences and quality of work life (QoWL) of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Drawing on findings from two community-based participatory research (CBPR) studies, presenters will share firsthand insights from individuals with disabilities who served as co-researchers in the process. Key themes include isolation, pathologizing assumptions, and coping strategies used to navigate workplace challenges. The session will highlight practical strategies for fostering inclusion, mentorship, and well-being at work, as well as the innovative use of virtual CBPR methods to engage participants nationwide. Attendees will gain actionable guidance to promote equitable and supportive employment environments for people with disabilities across diverse settings.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to define workplace microaggressions and differentiate them from overt discrimination in the context of MS and SCI.
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe how CBPR methodology enhances inclusion and rigor in rehabilitation research.
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify thematic insights from two disability communities related to employment experiences.
Upon completion, participants will be able to apply findings to design or advocate for workplace policies and practices that foster inclusion and retention.
Upon completion, participants will be able to apply virtual CBPR as a model for accessible and collaborative research in disability populations.