Radford experts address key topics: Disability Awareness, semiconductor supply chain disruptions and the upcoming presidential election

Radford, VA (10/15/2024) — Radford University professors are available to talk about the following topics:

October is Disability History and Awareness month in Virginia

Darren Minarik, an associate professor in secondary social studies and special education teacher preparation, is available to speak about October as Disability History and Awareness month in Virginia. The enactment of that month was due to the advocacy of youth with disabilities in Virginia who participated in the Youth Leadership Forum and I'm Determined Youth Summit, said Minarik, who serves as co-director for the Virginia Inclusive Practices Center. At Radford, Minarik teaches "pre-service students and school divisions to focus on the models of disability, the language we use and perception of disability to address the stigmas and negative stereotypes."

Minarik's research interests addresses educational intersections between the social sciences and special education, with an emphasis on inclusive educational practices, self-determination, disability history and civic engagement.

"With awareness also comes an understanding of how people with disabilities (PWDs) negotiate the barriers to inclusion in a society that is designed for those who are able-bodied," Minarik said. "Unemployment rates are higher for PWDs, access to buildings and other places can be difficult, PWDs are often treated differently in public or ignored, and PWDs who are also female, or people of color can experience even more discrimination."

Email: dminarik@radford.edu
Phone: 540-831-7660

In addition, Radford University Professor of English Jamie McDaniel is available to speak about accessibility in training experiences. McDaniel has authored a book about "how certain training experiences, such as teambuilding exercises or other types of 'business games,'" he said, "can marginalize people with disabilities by providing inaccessible ways to practice new skills or gain new knowledge." McDaniel can also address accessibility for online materials and best practices for writing and designing texts in online environments, such as websites, social media and other digital works. The professor is also available to speak about ableism in healthcare.

Email: jmcdaniel30@radford.edu
Phone: 256-310-2100

Hurricane Helene's impact on the semiconductor industry

Like many areas in Western North Carolina, Spruce Pine has been devastated by heavy flooding from Hurricane Helene. The small Mitchell County town, just 50 miles northeast of Asheville, is one of the only places in the world where the ultra-pure quartz is mined. The industrial mineral is used in semiconductor manufacturing, the fundamental building blocks of modern IT, from smartphones to military aircraft.

Flooding in the region has halted mining operations at Spruce Pine, but the impacts on the supply chain will depend on the length of time it takes to restore operation. Radford University Assistant Professor of Management in the Davis College of Business and Economics Zachary Collier, an expert in supply chain management and semiconductors, is available to speak about the potential impact of the floods has on mining operations.

Email: zcollier@radford.edu
Phone: 540-831-6732

In politics

Associate Professor of Political Science Daniel C. Reed is available to offer expertise on the upcoming presidential election and voting behavior, with a particular focus on political parties.

Email: dreed33@radford.edu