LOS ANGELES – Loyola Law School, Los Angeles’ “Disability, Innovation & Transportation” symposium will gather thought-leaders in the fields of education, engineering and law for an examination of the potential for technology to improve the lives of those with disabilities. To be held on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, from 12-5 p.m. on Loyola’s downtown L.A. campus, the day will include a ceremony honoring former U.S. Rep. Tony Coelho (’64 LMU) for his disability rights work.
“Technology will continue to transform – and hopefully improve – all of our lives. Law should help create opportunities for innovation, and disability needs to be part of that conversation,” said Loyola Law School Dean Michael Waterstone, founding organizer of the event and disability rights expert. “This symposium is our first step in this dialogue. “
The symposium, part of the Innovation Lab collaboration with the School of Education and Frank R. Seaver College of Science & Engineering at Loyola Marymount University, will include two panels from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The 1:30 p.m. panel, “The Role of Law in Fostering Innovation,” will focus on how the law can spur innovation. Panelists include Eve Hill, formerly of the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice; Orly Lobel, Don Weckstein Professor of Labor and Employment Law, University of San Diego Law School; and Dr. Joshua L. Schank, chief, Office of Extraordinary Innovation, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Victoria Graf, School of Education, Loyola Marymount University (LMU), will moderate.
The 3:30 p.m. panel will focus on “Technology & Innovation in Accessibility” and will examine the challenges presented by new technology providers like ride-hailing service Uber, including the emergence of driverless cars. Panelists will include Todd Bowers, senior manager, public policy, Uber; Jesse Lorenz, executive director, Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco; and Matthew Siniawksi, graduate program director and professor of mechanical engineering, LMU. Karl Manheim, Loyola Law School professor, will moderate.
The day also will include the presentation of the Charles D. Siegal Award at 12:30 p.m. to former U.S. Rep. Coelho. The award is bestowed annually in honor of the former Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP litigation partner to those who make an outstanding contribution to the lives of people with disabilities. Coelho, an architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act, was elected House Majority Whip during his six terms in Congress. A 1964 alumnus of Loyola Marymount University, Coelho will deliver a keynote address after remarks by Dean Waterstone. Tina Choe, dean of LMU’s Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering, will also deliver remarks.
This Innovation Lab symposium is presented by Loyola Law School in partnership with the School of Education and Frank R. Seaver College of Science & Engineering at Loyola Marymount University. The panels are sponsored by Uber Technologies Inc. The Charles T. Siegal Award presentation and reception is sponsored by Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. All events will be held on Loyola’s downtown L.A. campus at 919 Albany St., Los Angeles, CA 90015. More information is available at www.lls.edu/disability.
About Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Located on an award-winning Frank Gehry-designed campus in downtown Los Angeles, Loyola Law School is home to prominent faculty, dedicated students and cutting-edge programs. The Law School strives to instill in students the knowledge they need to excel on their chosen paths. It dedicates itself to preparing students for the rigors of practice with an extensive portfolio of practical-training opportunities, a 17,000-strong alumni network and a focus on social justice. Learn more at www.lls.edu.
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Media contact:
Journalists who wish to attend any part of the event should RSVP to:
Brian Costello
Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Brian.Costello@lls.edu Tel. 213-736-1444
