Kristen Larsen
Academic Success mentor coordinator, 308.865.8988
The 11th Annual Disability Awareness Week is set for Nov. 15-19 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
“The purpose of Disability Awareness Week is to educate and inform, and to promote understanding of what it is like to be a person with a disability, and particularly a college student with a disability,” said Kristen Larsen, an adviser at the Center for Academic Success. “We want to encourage a sense of community and help integrate people with disabilities into campus life.”
The events during the week will focus on accessibility on the UNK campus, disability support programs, personal coping skills and the possibilities open to people with disabilities.
The week’s activities are cosponsored by the Center for Academic Success and Collegians for Integration and Accessibility (CIA).
“CIA is made up of students from UNK who advocate on behalf of students with disabilities,” Larsen said. “Most of the members in this organization have a documented disability, but the organization is open to any student who would like to help make UNK a better campus for all students.”
Schedule of Events
Week-long Activities
Wheel off your UNK Handicapped ParkingTicket – Taking the wheelchair tour will eliminate a parking ticket for a student who has parked illegally in a parking space for handicapped individuals. Contact Susan Frerichs, UNK Parking Services coordinator, at (308) 865-8367 to make appointment.
Walk a While in My Shoes – Selected participants will shadow a UNK student who has a disability and the experience will be documented in the Antelope.
A Horse of a Different Color – Disability skit will be read in University Foundations courses.
Monday, Nov. 15
12 p.m. “A Few Good Reisens” to Support Disability Awareness Week. Candy and Schedule will be handed out at the UNK Nebraskan Student Union.
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Assistive Technology Fair, Nebraskan Student Union Atrium
Displays will include a variety of assistive devices for education,
employment and independent living.
7:30-8:30 p.m. Wheelchair Basketball Scrimmage, Health and Sports Center
Tuesday, Nov. 16
9 a.m. Talk of the Town Radio Presentation on KGFW/1340 AM
12:30-3 p.m. Disabilities at UNK Workshop, Nebraskan Student Union Room 312
“Baby Steps” Disability Awareness Week Discussion – David
Brandt, assistant director of learning strategies office, will facilitate a discussion about the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act from the viewpoint of students and faculty.
“Learning Disabilities…the invisible disability” – Julie Boukal, a
UNK student who has a learning disability, will share the challenges and strategies that she utilizes at UNK.
“UNK Student Panel Discussion” – Students with various
disabilities will discuss their experiences at UNK.
Wednesday, Nov. 17
3:45-5 p.m. Disability Awareness Week Relay Races, Nebraskan Student Union Room 238
3:45-4:45 p.m. Buddy Bowling, Big Apple Fun Center – Sponsored by the Arc of Buffalo County. Members of UNK fraternities Delta Tau Delta and Sigma Phi Epsilon volunteer as bowling partners with members of the community who have developmental disabilities.
Thursday, Nov 18
2-3 p.m. Special Education to Entrepreneur – Effective Supported Employment
Presentation, Nebraskan Student Union Cedar Room – Sponsored by UNK Career Services. Teressa Rundstrom, a speech-language pathologist and president of Hability Solution Services, will discuss unique employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Authors with development disabilities from the “Friends and Authors Series” will display their books.
4-5 p.m. Rebuilding Dreams Presentation, Nebraskan Student Union Cedar Room
Dawn Peters, supporting parent coordinator with Parent Training Institute of Nebraska will present a parent’s perspective about the grieving process that parents of children with disabilities confront.
Friday, Nov. 19
7:30-10 p.m. Movies, Games and Food Social, Centennial Towers East Lobby.
Sponsored by Collegians for Intergration and Accessibility.
