Larissa Minner

Austin 

Larissa Minner is a research associate at the Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Larissa leads the Weaving Inclusion Together in Research Hub (W.I.T.H.) at her center, a team compromised of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and family members. Her original research study “Supporting Helpful Person-centered Environments (SHAPE) in Healthcare for Autistic and non-autistic adults” has won multiple awards, including a national award. This study uses accessibility features and explores both challenges and solutions such as universal design that can improve healthcare for Autistic and non-autistic adults. Larissa also trains organizations on creating neuro-affirming environments. She has trained organizations that include PayPal and Residential Solutions, Inc. Larissa is a public speaker; she has delivered international keynotes speaking about disability and Autism, and has trained school correction officers on how to interact with students with disabilities. She has also created and spoken in self-advocacy videos for Disability Rights Texas.

Project Title

Disability Disrupted: A Disability Podcast

Project Description

This podcast series, co-hosted by Nathan Chung, will explore critical disability issues relevant to the disability community. Through insightful discussions, the podcast will share both personal and professional perspectives on disability and neurodivergence, highlighting lived experiences, policy implications, and advocacy efforts. The series will also examine the latest news, research, and developments in the field, fostering informed dialogue and promoting greater awareness of disability rights and inclusion. Disability Disrupted will explore practical strategies, including universal design, to make hiring practices and education more inclusive.