2008 Woodie Awards
Students see what it's like to be blind
Disability Awareness events promote understanding and bring knowledge to campus community
Marcus Bellon
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Western is celebrating October as more than just a month to dress up and get free candy-it's also a chance to "kick ignorance to the curb and have fun doing it," said Jesse Beers in an all-student email. This month is Disability Awareness Month.
To kick it off, Disability Services hosted an "Out of Sight" dinner in which students were given the opportunity to experience and learn what kinds of challenges disabled people meet with every day. The disabilities "tried on" by participants included blindness, deafness, and loss of limb.
"We want to raise awareness about different types of disabilities and give people a 'taste' of what it's like," said senior Emily Holmes.
Holmes, who was at the dinner, feels that it is important for everyone to feel equal and hopes that, with open minds, people will learn that they are just as able as everyone else.
The overall goal of these events is to raise awareness and show people that even though they have challenges, they are still the same as others in certain aspects.
"People with disabilities and people who do not have disabilities have more commonalities than differences," stressed Director of Disabilities Services Phil Pownall.
Everyone is encouraged to come and be a part of the activities offered this month.
Schedule of Events
Oct. 11-12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
"Ask Me How" tables-Panel featuring students with disabilities.
Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Passport to Access: Disability Experiential Center-People can see what it is like to have a disability.
Oct. 26, 3-5 p.m.
Reception for Faculty and Staff-Honoring or thanking the faculty and staff who have helped make the lives of students with disabilities easier (all students welcome).
All Month
Information Q & A-Different facts and quotations will be posted around the school to educate and spread awareness throughout campus.
D.A.M. Ribbons-Give out Disability-Awareness Month Ribbons for people to wear.