Social and digital media have sharpened the lens through which abject bodies are portrayed, and too often critiqued. It has opened the world to intense criticism, and allowed virtual strangers to weigh in on everything from one’s sexual orientation and race to body image and body shaming, perpetrating hate and sometimes violence. Inspired by stories of strength and adversity, Jen Rinaldi, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Legal Studies Program of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, advocates increased awareness and vital support for persons with psychiatric and intellectual disabilities who not only face discrimination, but are victims of violence due to their circumstances. She works tirelessly to create arts-based opportunities for these individuals to become self-advocates and share their stories. Mental health diagnosis casts a wide net often stemming from internal emotional struggles or intellectual challenges. Dr. Rinaldi's critical body of research examines the development of narrative and arts-based methodologies to deconstruct eating disorder recovery, and to re-imagine recovery in relation to queer community. She also works in collaboration with Recounting Huronia, an arts-based collective that explores and stories traumatic histories of institutionalization. Co-ordinator of the Huronia Speakers Bureau, she helps former residents communicate the historical injustices that took place through its outreach program. Dr. Rinaldi's latest research explores artistic interpretation of works generated by individuals with disabilities, and aims to increase the disability presence in arts-based communities. She joined UOIT in 2012, and earned a tenure-track role within her faculty in 2014. She concentrates on disability law in her teaching. Diverse interests and influences led her to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Philosophy and Classical Civilizations with Great Distinction from the University of Windsor in 2005, her Master of Arts in Philosophy with Honours from the University of Guelph in 2007, and her Doctorate in Critical Disability Studies at York University in 2013. Her graduate studies focused on the philosophy of law and identity politics of gender and disability studies.