October is Disability Awareness Month and Texas A&M University-Commerce is preparing for an informational event sponsored by Student Disability Resources and Services, Diversity and Cultural Affairs, and International Students. This is the first year A&M-Commerce will host the event.
“Since this is the first time this has been done we are starting on a smaller scale; however, hoping to build on it year after year,” Leigh Ann Powell, Coordinator of Student Disability Resources and Services, said. “We are currently planning on having informational tables set up focusing on different types of disabilities with simulations and informational hand-outs.”
The tables will be run by students with the disability they are presenting information about. Various campus and community services will also be there to lend a helping hand as well as provide information on resources they provide.
“I hope everyone that attends will gain a better awareness and understanding of what it is like to live with a disability,” Powell said. “Also, we are hoping to provide those with disabilities information about resources that could help them live a more independent life.”
The goal might be to educate students, but that’s not to say they can’t have a little fun while they’re learning. There will be some games including one Powell is working on geared for people with visual impairments. Also, Student Disability and Resourses is working on having a wheelchair basketball team come and give demonstrations and even challenge students and faculty to a quick game.
“We provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations according to individual student needs,” Powell said. “Our campus is quite dated so we are working on updating some areas around campus as well as software programs.”
The event took place Oct. 15 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the MSC Founder’s Lounge and was called “Coping with Disabilities in Higher Education: A Student, Staff, and Professional’s Perspective.”