You're invited to a compelling panel discussion, "The Bigger Picture of Disability," this Saturday, July 12, from 11 AM to 1 PM, at The Aurora Public Art Gallery, 20 E Downer Place, 3rd Floor, Aurora.

This discussion is part of the "Bigger Picture(s) and Deposition Drawn" public art exhibit, which showcases art inspired by Temma Lowly, daughter of artist Tim Lowly, who lives with profound disabilities. The exhibit aims to foster a deeper understanding and representation of individuals with disabilities in our culture.

The panel will feature a distinguished group of speakers, each offering unique perspectives on disability:

Dr. Lore Baker - President, CEO of AID (Association for Individual Development). AID's mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, and mental health challenges to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. They offer a wide range of services, including autism programs, supportive housing, vocational training, crisis intervention, and mental health treatment.

Dr. Sherri Lowly - Pastor and caregiver for Temma. Dr. Lowly's personal experience as a caregiver will provide a valuable and intimate perspective on the daily realities and profound meaningfulness of caring for someone with a disability.

Jim Elliot - President & CEO of the Dive Heart Group. Diveheart's mission is to build confidence, independence, and self-esteem in the lives of children, adults, and veterans with physical or mental disabilities through scuba diving, scuba therapy, and related activities. They believe in fostering a "can do" spirit by demonstrating that if one can scuba dive, they can do anything.

Stevie Schwer - Founder of The BE Yourself Group. While "The BE Yourself Group" appears to encompass various initiatives, including "Be Yourself Academy" which focuses on personal transformation and leadership development, and "Be Yourself Management" which is involved in real estate development with a focus on community, the context of this panel suggests Stevie Schwer will likely share insights related to empowerment, self-belief, and community building for individuals, aligning with the broader theme of embracing one's true potential.

TBA Easter Seals Rep - Easterseals is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to changing the way the world defines and views disabilities by making positive, profound differences in people's lives every day. They provide exceptional services for people with disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, and play in their communities, with a vision of equal opportunity for all.

This panel promises to be a thought-provoking and insightful discussion, exploring the multi-faceted aspects of disability from biological, psychological, sociological, and political perspectives, and highlighting efforts to promote inclusivity and understanding.