UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Elizabeth Olson, professor of geography and environment and professor of global studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will present "Theorizing Ableism and Care Through the Everyday Geographies of Caregiving Youth," at the Department of Geography's Coffee Hour lecture series. Her talk will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, in 112 Walker Building on the University Park campus and via Zoom.

In her talk, Olson will explore the intricate concept of ableism, which is described by the American Psychological Association as prejudice and discrimination aimed at disabled people. Olson will focus on the biases and discrimination individuals with disabilities face. Grounding her theoretical exploration, she will share findings from her research that investigates the daily life experiences of young caregivers in Palm Beach, Florida, who support family members with medical conditions, age-related issues or disabilities.

From her research, she will share the intersections of emotion, place and ableism experienced by these young caregivers. Drawing from the narratives and data collected, Olson will reveal the ableism that pervades institutions and infrastructure, underscoring the need for an increased awareness of the interdependency and politics of care.

Olson earned her doctorate in geography from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her research spectrum spans the practices and ethics of care and caregiving, using lenses from critical health geographies and feminist theory. She explores and challenges the relationships among theories of care, justice and rights, especially concerning populations vulnerable to exclusion.

Olson’s talk is part of the fall 2023 "Coffee Hour" seminar series hosted by Penn State’s Department of Geography. To learn more and access the Zoom information, visit the Coffee Hour event webpage.