More than 160 people gathered at the Charles B. Wang Center for Stony Brook University’s annual Inclusion Done Right! conference, which focused on advancing community-based inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Now in its third year, the event was presented by the School of Health Professions and the Office of Equity & Inclusion, led by Chief Diversity Officer Judith Brown Clarke.
The October 17 conference was open to the public and aimed to engage healthcare professionals, educators, people with disabilities, families, and caregivers. Over 70% of attendees were from outside Stony Brook University, reflecting broad interest in disability advocacy.
Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook, said: “The Inclusion Done Right! conference is a remarkable opportunity to bring together community partners, academics, and practitioners to share best practices and advance the critically important work of ensuring equity, access, and inclusion for all, especially those with disabilities. This event is a powerful expression of our commitment as a university and a School of Health Professions to lead not just in research and education, but in creating a more supportive and inclusive society for everyone.”
Conference co-chair Agnes McConlogue Ferro highlighted the event’s participant-driven approach: “The biggest takeaway for me every year is that we are building community. We are responding to the needs identified specifically by attendees — and that carries a lot of responsibility for our planning committee to ensure that it is ‘done right.’ I am so deeply grateful for and humbled by the support both here at Stony Brook University and from the community.”
The program included keynote speeches from national advocate Keri Gray—who discussed how language shapes perceptions about disability—and Nicole Zeitzer Johnson, co-founder of the FOXG1 Research Foundation. Johnson spoke about her personal experience as a parent driving rare disease research innovation. She also provided copies of her book Joyfully Josie to participants.
Breakout sessions addressed technology use in inclusion efforts, reframing scientific language around disability, and increasing vocational opportunities. The day ended with attendees working on a collaborative action plan designed to strengthen partnerships across Long Island.
McConlogue Ferro noted ongoing impact: “We’re already seeing the results — attendees from year one presented their work in year three,” she said. “That’s what we consider ‘done right,’ and we intend to keep building on that momentum to support, advance, and create knowledgeable change for our communities and beyond.”
