Embracing a Culture of Abilities
Disability culture takes center stage this October in recognition of DiverseAbility Awareness Month at 麻豆传媒映画.
In partnership with the Committee for Enhancing Campus Culture and Climate for Persons of Varying Abilities at 麻豆传媒映画, 鈥� in collaboration with the , campus departments and student groups 鈥� will host several events to encourage students to question what it means to have a disability and look at disabilities from a different perspective.
While many universities celebrate the month of October as Disability Awareness Month, Student Disability Services Director Pamela J. Starr said the intentional use of the term "DiverseAbility" at 麻豆传媒映画 serves a greater purpose.
鈥淭he use of 鈥楧iverseAbility鈥� expands beyond those with disabilities and becomes inclusive of those who do not identify as having a disability yet are a part of this diverse community,鈥� Starr said. 鈥淭his month-long series of programs brings attention to individuals with diverse abilities, their identity, culture and history.鈥�
At 麻豆传媒映画, nearly 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students receive assistance through Student Disability Services, which including visual, hearing and communication impairments, learning disabilities, and mobility and functional limitations. 麻豆传媒映画 further sheds light on both visible and invisible disabilities and disability culture through events and programs held throughout the year.
Rachel Schlesinger, 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 Student Disability Services program coordinator graduate assistant, said while talking about disabilities can make some people uncomfortable, it is important to push beyond those barriers so all members of the 麻豆传媒映画 community get the support they need.
鈥淲ith these events, we hope more people will take the opportunity to educate themselves about the different types of disabilities and change how they perceive disabilities,鈥� Schlesinger said. 鈥淢ost people assume that having a disability means that it鈥檚 a physical or visible disability, but that鈥檚 not necessarily the case. Learning disabilities make up the majority of the cases in our office, and it鈥檚 important to learn about the experiences of these individuals.鈥�
Upcoming DiverseAbility Awareness events:
DiverseAbility Awareness Kickoff and Therapy Pony11 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3, North Library Walkway
Stop by the Student Disability Services table along North Library Walkway to receive more information about the month鈥檚 events and activities, and to meet a trained therapy pony.
Resource and Information Fair
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, Centennial Walkway
Several campus and community organizations will set up tables to provide information about disabilities and resources including group and volunteer opportunities.
ADA Awareness, in partnership with Society of American Military Engineers
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18, Campanile Walkway
Join the Society of American Military Engineers on Campanile Walkway to promote awareness of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA-accessible buildings and routes on campus.
DiverseAbility Pop-up Art Show, in partnership with Arts Alive 麻豆传媒映画
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20, North Library Walkway
麻豆传媒映画 students will showcase their artwork to express the diversity of disability culture at the 麻豆传媒映画 Farmers Market.
Film Screening: 鈥淭he Rebound,鈥� in partnership with One 麻豆传媒映画 Community
6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26, Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union Theatre
This documentary tells the story of the Miami Heat Wheels, a wheelchair basketball team in a quest for a national title. This story offersing a visceral portrait of the athletes鈥� journey to realize their dreams while facing life鈥檚 biggest challenges.
More information about the resources provided through Student Disability Services is available on the . Current students in need of accommodations on campus are encouraged to connect with Student Disability Services in Calpulli Center, Suite 3101 or by calling 619-594-6473.
