Disability Awareness Days at Colorado State Focus on Abilities and Strengths of Individuals

Colorado State University’s Office of Resources for Disabled Students will sponsor Disability Awareness Days, a week of on-campus events from March 28-31. This year’s theme, "www.colostate.edu/Depts/RDS/dadinfo.html," is a reminder to look past negative perceptions and focus on how all people can be contributing members of society.

Events include workshops, lectures, a wheelchair obstacle course and a talk by Katie Kirkham, Ms. Wheelchair Colorado 1999.

"The goal of Disability Awareness Days is to heighten awareness of the issues related to disability and to promote an appreciation of the worthiness of individuals with disabilities," said Rosemary Kreston, director of the Office of Resources for Disabled Students. "Disability is part of the human condition as are all human differences in abilities, appearances and talents."

Following is a schedule of events for the week of Disability Awareness Days. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

March 28

  • "Computer Adaptations for People with Disabilities," 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunken Lounge, Lory Student Center. Demonstration of ways computers and new technology can assist people with disabilities.
  • "Experience This!" 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Lory Student Center Plaza. A variety of simulations demonstrating challenges of living with a disability.
  • "Beep Ball," 7-9 p.m., Intramural Field, Student Recreation Center. A visually-impaired baseball team takes on the Colorado State baseball team and all others interested in playing.
  • The Other Sister, 9-11 p.m., D.C. Bottoms, Durrell Center. A movie about a young woman with a developmental disability who pursues her dreams.

March 29

  • "Body, Mind, and Soul: The Journey to Wellness," 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunken Lounge, Lory Student Center. Learn about components of health and wellness, including body, mind and soul.
  • "Sports for People with Disabilities," 1:10-2 p.m., Room 207, Lory Student Center. A presentation on the history of sports for people with disabilities.
  • "Working with Interpreters in the Classroom," 2-3 p.m., Virginia Dale Room, Lory Student Center. The role of sign language/oral interpretation in an academic setting.

March 30

  • "Designing Accessible Web Sites," 10-10:50 a.m., Room 210, Lory Student Center. A look at the importance of designing web sites that can be used by all.
  • "Let Me Tell You My Story," 4:30-5:30 p.m., Room 230, Lory Student Center. Individuals with developmental disabilities discuss their experiences with supported employment services in the Fort Collins community.
  • Disability Awareness Days 2000-Finale, 6:30-8:30 p.m., East and Middle Ballroom, Lory Student Center. Winners of the Barrier Free Design Contest and the Resources for Disabled Students Outstanding Effort Awards, 2000, will be announced. In a talk titled "Do What You Can, With What You Have, Where You Are," Katie Kirkham, Ms. Wheelchair Colorado 1999, will share her perceptions of life and ways she creates ability in her daily activities now that she has a disability.

March 31

  • Barrier Free Designs-Campus Display, 8 a.m.-noon, Sunken Lounge, Lory Student Center. Display of the winning entries in the Barrier Free Design Competition created by Colorado State interior design students.

April 1

  • Barrier Free Designs-Community Display, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Foothills Fashion Mall. Display of the winning entries in the Barrier Free Design Competition created by Colorado State interior design students.