Marsha Saxton, researcher at the World Institute on Disability and lecturer in the UC Berkeley Disability Studies program, presented this year's Irving Kenneth Zola Memorial Lecture at Brandeis University in the Boston area on March 31, 2008.

Irving Kenneth Zola was a much beloved leader in the disability studies movement from the early 70's until his death in 1995. A contemporary of Ed Roberts, Irv, in his capacities as medical sociologist and disability rights activist was particularly interested in the relationship between patients and doctors, and the interaction between the medical system and disability issues.

Marsha Saxton's lecture, inspired in part by Irv's work, highlighted qualitative research conducted through WID about the complex role of the medical system in the lives of people with disabilities. This study of the views and experiences of 100 disabled people resulted in the production of the film, "Access to Medical Care: Adults with Physical Disabilities," produced and distributed by the World Institute on Disability. The 22 minute film was shown during the presentation.