University to Hold Disability Awareness Program

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas and Sources for Community Independent Living Services will recognize the 22^nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recognize October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. University activities for Disability Awareness Month start Wednesday, Oct. 3, and continue with guest speakers, a disability symposium, a resource fair and art exhibit.

Students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community are invited to participate.

"These events present a wonderful opportunity for our students and the community to enhance and expand their current understanding regarding persons with disabilities and gain important insight into the lives of others," said Danny Pugh, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. “I am very appreciative to the members of the committee for carrying on and expanding these events.”

The awareness month kicks off with a diversity-networking event sponsored by the Career Development Center. Students with disabilities as well as those from underrepresented and diverse populations are encouraged to attend this event for an intimate opportunity to meet with employers from a variety of organizations. This is the second Disability Awareness event to be held on campus. The first program was held in April 2010.

An accessible recreation program will be held Monday, Oct. 8 in the HPER gym No. 2. This event is sponsored by the Department of University Recreation. Participants will get together with a partner and take on UREC’s inclusive obstacle course, which will be set up to challenge any fitness level and for persons with disabilities. No preregistration or fee is required. For more information about this event specifically please visit the UREC – Accessible Recreation Program website: http://urec.uark.edu/8046.htm

A disability symposium on Oct. 17 will feature speaker Will Roberts, project manager for the National Organization on Disability Corporate Programs. Before joining the National Organization on Disability, Roberts was an instructional systems designer and communications consultant for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. The symposium includes workshops designed for students, faculty and staff, to enhance knowledge of disability-related topics, as well as provide practical applications in the areas of preparing for employment, developing an inclusive workplace and knowing local resources. A series of six workshops will be offered both in the morning and afternoon, by seasoned, dynamic education and business professionals.

The symposium’s keynote address will be given by Neil Romano, former assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy and head of the U.S. Department of Labor’s office of disability employment policy. Romano has dedicated his career to the marketing of ideas and messages to help save lives and promote public policy. He founded Romano & Associates Inc., which produced highly visible and effective public awareness programs, as well as America’s Strength, a not-for-profit organization which works to promote the importance of hiring individuals with disabilities.

The final event is a disability community resource fair and art exhibit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 in the International Connections Lounge of the Arkansas Union. This event will feature informational booths promoting community resources and information dedicated to inclusion and community participation. Participants will have a chance to learn more about volunteer opportunities available locally with disability service providers. Life Styles, Inc., a local non-profit organization, serving individuals with disabilities, will exhibit artwork created by their participants in the College for Living – Art Program.

Disabilities Awareness Program Schedule of Events:

• Wednesday, Oct. 3, Diversity Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., Arkansas Union, Room 507

• Thursday, Oct. 4, Career Fair, noon to 4 p.m., Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom

• Monday, Oct. 8, Inclusive Obstacle Course, 6-8 p.m., HPER Gym 2

• Thursday, Oct. 11, 3M Ability Roll N’ Walk Run 5 p.m., Wilson Park Pavilion

• Wednesday, Oct. 17, Disability Symposium and Keynote Address, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Arkansas Union, Rooms 503, 504, 511

o   Check-in & Welcome: 9-9:45 a.m.; Arkansas Union Room 514

o   Morning Sessions: 10-11 a.m., and 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

o   Afternoon Sessions: 2:15-3:15 p.m., and 3:30-4:30 p.m.

o   Keynote Address Luncheon: 12:30-2 p.m., Arkansas Union Rooms 512-514. Please RSVP for this luncheon by sending an email to ada@uark.edu or call 479-575-3104. This luncheon is open to the first 50 responders.

• Saturday, Oct. 20, Accessibility Day Ramp Builds, part of Make a Difference Day Activities.

• Thursday, Oct. 25, Disability Community Resource Fair and Art Exhibit, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Arkansas Union, International Connections Lounge.