In the summer of 2022, CAAD supported 9 students to expand Vassar’s engagement with disability arts. The aims of the summer project were threefold: to learn how Vassar can make its existing arts resources, such as the collections of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Gallery, more accessible to d/Deaf and disabled people; to develop relationships with local disabled artists and arts organizations that work with disabled people; and to begin planning a partnership between Vassar and Poughkeepsie to organize and present a Disability Arts Festival.

Student Participants

Becca Chin ’23, Drama
Carly D’Antonio ’23, Urban Studies
Elise Johnson ’25, Sociology
Thayer Lehman-Borer ’25, undeclared 
Abigail Povill ’24, English
Leaf Quilty ’23, Studio Art 
Yoshi Sanders ’24, Psychology
Caitlin Wong ’23, English
Claire Woolsey ’23, French and Francophone Studies

Research Mentors

Leslie Dunn, Professor of English
Peter Gil-Sheridan, Assistant Professor of Drama
Mary-Kay Lombino, Deputy Director and the Emily Hargroves Fisher ’57 and Richard B. Fisher Curator
Tom Pacio, Director of Creative Arts and Institutional Grant Innovation