Tori Jakpa Shares Research at National AHEAD in Denver Overmedicalization, Social Media and Gen Z
This past week ADS's own Toritsegbogwa (Tori) Jakpa , SDS Assistive Technology  & Accessibility Specialist, presented at the national Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) conference in Denver on her research, "Overmedicalization in the Age of Social Media: Gen Z's Struggle with Self-Diagnosis," which she conducted with her research partner from Purdue University, Monaami Pal.

Her poster presentation in summary: Research studies have shown that there is a close relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and the American Psychiatric Association, leading to a tendency amongst mental health professionals to interpret everyday emotional suffering to be a medical condition which needs treatment. This is also fueled by the social media culture and the rise of influencers in the health and well-being industry. Our goal is to investigate how self diagnosis affects Generation Z. This issue of overmedicalization and self diagnosis is amplified by socioeconomic factors such as limited access to mental health services, geographic disparities in availability of healthcare, stigma associated with seeking medical help, and insurance affordability. Finally, we will apply crip theory and mad studies as frameworks to develop more effective and inclusive strategies to aid Gen Z’s mental health needs in higher educational systems.

When Tori is on campus, she works with undergraduate and graduate students registered with Student Disability Services, creating solutions with accessible technology.
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ADS had a great time hosting a screening of the Ride Ahead on Tuesday, and just had an encore opportunity to view this ground-breaking and myth-busting film - please consider attending via Zoom (RSVP link here or below) and share this opportunity widely:

When: April 4, 2025, 4:00p
Where: Online viz Zoom
Register via clicking on this hyperlink
Discussion with the Directors following the film

​DREAM Community Film Screening & Gathering: The Ride Ahead with the Directors This film follows Samuel Habib seeking out wisdom through conversations with six other powerful disabled people who have made a difference, like Americans with Disabilities Act legends Judy Heumann and Bob Williams, and Tony-winning Ali Stroker. Afterward, we will engage in a discussion with filmmakers and explore what we can learn from the journeys of Samuel and others in the film.


A brief discussion with the directors will follow the film screening.

This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.

UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all.  The film is captioned and audio description is available. For additional inquiries about access or accommodation - when registering on Zoom, use the question feature to send your question or request.


Previously organized by Accessibility and Disabilities Services and co-sponsored by UMBC's Psychology Department and Critical Disability Studies. This screening is generously provided by DREAM - the Association for Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) Student division.


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Thank you for everyone who celebrated the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA, whether it was on campus with our Accessibility Tour, attending the ADS/SDS Open House, or engaging with opportunities to create awareness, inclusion and pride-of-identity for people with disabilities.

At the executive level President Biden issued an ADA Anniversary  proclamation, and Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, on behalf of Governor Wes Moore, issued a proclamation earlier in the week proclaiming July 26th to be a day of observance for the ADA with a commitment to advance the inclusion of people with disabilities.


Some good news from the Association of Higher Education and Disability/AHEAD (one of the professional associations that UMBC's ADS/SDS Staff belongs to)


"AHEAD is happy to share that on the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) have reintroduced the Pell Grant for Students with Disabilities Act! (HR 5739 for those wanting to reach out to their Federal Representatives)


This reintroduction is due to AHEADs continued efforts to work with Congress to address an issue that has been raised time and time again by our members as a stumbling block for students with disabilities to successfully complete college. Students are in the position of having to decide whether to follow their recommended course load or ignore the recommendation and go with a full-course load in order to qualify for the full Pell Grant amount for which they are eligible.


The Pell Grant for Students with Disabilities Act, like its predecessor in the last Congress, would allow students with disabilities to take the recommended course load without losing Pell Grant funding by having the U.S. Department of Education consider the recommended course load as equivalent to a full course load (which is 12 credits)." -AHEAD listserv post 7-27-23


Don't be shy about reaching out to your elected officials.  Closer to home, resources for campus members and visitors with disabilities include:  Student Disability Services, Accessibility and Disability Services (Employees and Visitors), and UMBC's online form for reporting accessibility concerns.  As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, please know we honor and celebrate people with disabilities every day, and have more events planned, especially for October, Disability Employment Awareness Month.


A photo of three women conferring over their laptops  while seated accompanies this post. Credit: Christina Wocin via unsplash.com

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