April 06, 2026

FLAGSTAFF, AZ — Northern Arizona University will welcome nationally recognized disability rights advocate, author and nonprofit leader Robert Stack, along with scholar-advocate Sibette Vasquez, to campus this Tuesday for a keynote program focused on human rights and the movement to end the institutionalization and economic exploitation of people with disabilities.

Stack, founder and CEO of Community Options, will speak with students about the intersection of disability, civil rights and social justice, drawing from decades of experience challenging segregation and abuse in institutional settings. His remarks will center on themes from his recent book, Silent No Longer, which chronicles systemic failures in institutional care and outlines pathways toward inclusive, community-based supports.

“People with disabilities have been excluded, underpaid and institutionalized for far too long,” said Robert Stack, CEO of Community Options. “This moment calls for a new generation of leaders who understand that disability rights are human rights—and who are willing to challenge outdated systems and build inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to live, work and thrive.”

He will be joined by Sibette Vasquez, Director of Government Relations for Community Options and a graduate of Princeton University. Vasquez is a recognized expert on disability history and a leading advocate against subminimum wage, exploitation and institutionalization. She will expand on the discussion with a focus on public policy, historical context and ongoing reform efforts.

During the program, Stack and Vasquez will address the historical roots and human cost of institutionalization, the central role of disability rights within the broader human rights movement, and the continued impact of subminimum wage and other forms of economic exploitation. They will also discuss the role of students, professionals and policymakers in advancing community inclusion and fair employment, as well as lessons learned from building mission-driven organizations and influencing public policy to expand community-based services.

Following the presentation, Stack and Vasquez will participate in a moderated question-and-answer session with students. Stack will also sign copies of Silent No Longer.

The event is free and open to NAU students, faculty and staff. Members of the public may attend on a space-available basis.

Event Details
Who: Robert Stack, CEO of Community Options and author of Silent No Longer; Sibette Vasquez, Director of Government Relations, Community Options
What: Keynote program on human rights and disability
When: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11:10 AM & 4:00 PM
Where: Northern Arizona University

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About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 35 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment support for people with disabilities – supporting thousands of people from over 60 offices across 12 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information, please visit our website: www.comop.org and follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X.