Old Dominion University Explores Health Equity through National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read Program

Old Dominion University's Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity collaborates with the National owment for the Arts NEA Big Read to explore Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig. This year, ODU is hosting more than 50 events across the academic year to foster discussions on health equity and inclusivity. These initiatives m to emphasize how literacy serves as a unifying force.

The Big Read initiative will officially start with an event featuring Rebekah Taussig at the annual Literary Festival at Chartway Arena's Big Blue Room. The festival, organized by Arts@ODU, will offer attees the opportunity to listen to Taussig share her experiences and inspire others to reassess their perspectives on disability and diversity. Her personal journey as a wheelchr-bound individual in the late 20th century has been her quest for relatable media portrayals of disability that were lacking.

This partnership with NEA Big Read provides an exciting opportunity to unite the community through Old Dominion University while tackling the significant issue of health equity, sd Millicent Lee, Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence. Through these conversations centered around literacy, we aspire to create a sense of unity and inclusiveness among participants.

ODU's engagement with the nationwide Big Read initiative exts beyond previous years' efforts, boasting over 50 programs planned throughout the academic year. This signifies ODU's commitment to fostering comprehensive discussions on health accessibility.

According to Rebekah Taussig:

“Through this collaboration, we're not just promoting literacy; we're igniting a movement towards inclusivity and equity,” Lee emphasized.

ODU joins 62 other organizations nationwide participating in the NEA Big Read for the 2024-25 academic year. During the school term, collaborative events will delve into topics such as The Hidden Haven of Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Healing Through Land, focusing on health disparities and Indigenous healthcare needs.

An initiative by the National owment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the Big Read broaden our understanding of the world, communities, and ourselves through shared reading experiences.

This year, Old Dominion University's plans represent the most extensive Big Read effort organized by ODU and the community thus far.

By using literature as a tool, we m to foster connections with diverse perspectives, Lee added.
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