Science Pub explores attitudes toward disability

kathleen-bogart-portrait-photo
June 8, 2016

Oregon State University - Cascades’ Science Pubs are where community members can meet some of OSU’s leading researchers and learn firsthand about the impact of their work and discoveries.

In the upcoming Science Pub, Kathleen Bogart, an assistant professor of psychology in OSU’s College of Liberal Arts - School of Psychological Science, will examine prejudice toward disability and the way in which people with disabilities manage stigma. Her presentation, called “Look Beyond Face Value: The Psychology of Disability and Communication,” will take place on Tuesday, June 21 at McMenamins in Bend.

One out of five people will develop a disability in their lifetime. Bogart’s research focuses on the forgotten “ism,” ableism, or prejudice toward disability. Using examples from her research on facial paralysis, Bogart, who also has facial paralysis, will discuss attitudes toward disability and the way people with disabilities adapt to their conditions.

Bogart is the director of the Disability and Social Interaction Lab at OSU. Much of the lab’s work focuses on the psychosocial implications of facial movement disorders such as facial paralysis and Parkinson’s disease, which affect more than 200,000 Americans each year. The lab is working on ways to improve communication for people with facial movement disorders.

Science Pubs take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Networking and food and beverage service begin at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m. Science Pubs are free to community members, but reservations are required. Space is limited to 100 guests. Register by 5:00pm the day prior to each Science Pub at  http://www.osucascades.edu/sciencepubs.

About OSU-Cascades: Located in Bend, Ore., Oregon State University’s branch campus features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Eighteen undergraduate majors and four graduate programs include Energy Systems Engineering, Exercise and Sport Science, Hospitality Management, and Tourism and Outdoor Leadership. The branch campus will expand to a four-year university beginning fall 2015.