Academic Success, 308.865.8286
The 14th annual DisABILITY Awareness Week, “Eradicate the Stigma, Stand Up for Abilities,” is set for Monday – Friday, Nov. 12-16, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
According to Kathy Morrow, interpreter for the deaf at UNK and event coordinator, the purpose of the week is to do exactly what the theme says, eliminate the shame or embarrassing feelings people get or feel for having a condition that causes them to be treated differently or isolated.
“The idea of DisABILITY Awareness Week is to educate and inform,” she said. “We want to promote a sense of community and encourage people to see that everyone has abilities. You would be surprised if you would look beyond what you think they can’t do.”
DisABILITY Awareness Week is sponsored by Academic Success and the UNK student organization C.I.A. (Collegians for Integration and Accessibility), with partial funding from University Program Facilities Fees. All events are free and open to the public.
The Schedule of Events for DisABILITY Awareness Week includes:
Friday, Nov. 9 –
Talk of the Town- 9 a.m., radio presentation to promote DisABILITY Awareness Week events with station KGFW/1340 AM.
Monday, Nov.12 –
”Eradicate the Stigma, Stand Up for Abilities” march across campus. All who place abilities before disabilities are welcome. Gather at the Cope Fountain at 11:30 a.m. March starts at noon.
Tuesday, Nov.13-
Discussion about career opportunities and information about agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities in Nebraska. Panelists from Mosaic of Axtell, Special Olympics, ARC and Mid-Nebraska Individual Services will discuss their agency’s mission and advocacy role in the community. The event will take place in the Nebraskan Student Union, Room 312, from 2-3:15 p.m.
Motivational Speaker Jerry Traylor in Copeland Hall, Room 140, at 7 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, Nov.14–
“Survival UNK,” techniques to cope with disabilities, will take place in the Nebraskan Student Union Cedar Room from 3 – 5 p.m. Free soft drinks and an information table hosted by UNK Collegians for Integration and Accessibility members.
Thursday, Nov.15-
College Students with Disabilities Panel Discussion: College students discuss their challenges, as well as their ways of being successful. The event will take place in the Nebraskan Student Union, Room 312, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Comedian/speaker Al Foxx will appear at Copeland Hall, Room 140, at 7 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public.
