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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Neha Patel
Contributing Writer
UIS is hosting the 11th Annual Disability Awareness Week (DAW) this week, April 7t through April 11. UIS has geared up to raise understanding in the community about the needs and lives of those who have disabilities. Throughout this week, the Office of Disability Services is sponsoring several interactive and informative events. Events range from a wheelchair race to informational film presentations on living with a disability, a career development workshop, speaker presentations, a youth transition fair, and the “Color Me Blind” lounge experience. All events will be held on the UIS campus and all facilities are fully accessible to the mobility-impaired.
Susy Woods, interim director of Disability Services at UIS, said “The idea behind DAW is that we show disability as something that is natural and part of life. 1 in every 5 Americans has a disability of some kind. You can be born with a disability, you can acquire a disability due or an accident or health issue or you can be dealing with disability issues just as part of the aging process. It is the only minority a person can join at any time. As a Caucasian woman I will not wake up tomorrow black or male but I could very well wake up with a disability due to an accident or illness.”
Events on Monday, April 7, included the Youth Transition Fair in the PAC. The UIS community was given the opportunity to get information on various disabilities, employment opportunities for people with a disability, and to get information about prospective ways to cope.
In the afternoon from 3-6 p.m., Wheelchair Races were held in the PAC and on the quad. Students who partipated in the race were energetic and motivated by the cause of raising awareness for people with disability and felt compassion for those with disabilities. “It was difficult and harder than I thought,” said Whitney Kampwerth, a UIS freshman.
“It was really difficult and really interesting. Doors are so small. Electric doors help but they are still hard to get through. I can’t imagine doing this daily,” said Zach Berillo, a sophomore. Chris Martin, also a sophmore, said it makes him “Really appreciate what I have and what others don’t have in terms of what people with disabilities have to go through.”
“I have more respect for people with a disability.” said freshman Justin Roberson.
Co-sponsoring Disability Awareness Week 2008 is: Springfest; Sangamon Country Transition Planning Committee; TurnOut Movement Arts Studio; and the UIS Division of Student Affairs, Student Government Association, Office of Housing and Residential Life, Diversity Task Force, Student Life Office, Speakers’ Bureau; while Human Services Program is co- sponsored the Youth Transition Fair.
Disability Services at UIS provides academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Through inclusion, advocacy, and support, ODS strives to provide postsecondary education and accommodation to all students by offering an environment that enriches the educational experience. With this support, students become functionally independent as well as self-advocating in both educational and personal pursuits. For more information about ODS or any Disability Awareness Week event, contact Disability Services at 206-6666 (TTY 206-6668).
