Colorado State's Disability Awareness Days Celebrates Abilities March 17-21
Friday, March 7, 1997
FORT COLLINS--For Colorado State University student Jamie
Weathers, being disabled isn't her biggest obstacle--people's
misperceptions are.
Diagnosed as an infant with a rare congenital disease called
Maffucci's Syndrome, Weathers has had to deal with misperceptions
all her life.
"Sometimes people will assume that I can't get out of my
motorized scooter," Weathers said. "Or people may pick up my
lunch tray for me without asking if I need help. It's more about
lack of awareness than malice."
It is this lack of awareness and understanding that Colorado
State's Office of Resources for Disabled Students is tackling
through its annual Disability Awareness Days, which runs March
17-21. The theme for this year, "Don't DIS My Ability," was
selected to celebrate the experience of individuals who have
disabilities, without "dis-ing" their abilities.
"All the events are for everyone and anyone to learn
something new," said Kate Shockley, co-coordinator of the event.
"People will be able to see how disabled individuals use their
talents to educate others. They don't let their disabilities hold
them back."
Weathers will use her singing talent during Disability
Awareness Days in a theatrical performance by PHAMALY--the
Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League. The
performance runs 6-8 p.m. March 20 in the Lory Student Center
West Ballroom. PHAMALY is a 100-member acting troupe that
provides an outlet for people with disabilities to showcase their
talents and educates the audience.
In addition to the PHAMALY performance, the week will
feature a sign language demonstration, a video about learning
disabilities, a panel discussion about people who use wheelchairs
and much more. All programs are free and open to the public,
except for the movie, "In the Land of the Deaf," which costs
$2.50.
Weathers hopes Disability Awareness Days will help people
understand that being disabled is not something to pity, because
everybody has something they can't do.
"I'm a person first and a person with a disability second,"
Weathers said. "I don't let my disability stop me. In fact, my
disability gives me a reason not to stop because I don't want it
to get the best of me."
Events for Disability Awareness Days are scheduled as
follows in the Lory Student Center.
March 17
* Learning Disabilities, noon-2 p.m., Room 202-204 LSC. Video
presentation and discussion about the nature and effects of
learning disabilities in an educational environment.
* "Wheelchair Users: Differences and Similarities," 4-5 p.m.,
Room 202-204 LSC. Not all people use wheelchairs exactly the
same. This panel presentation will help clarify some of these
differences. Sponsored by the Disabled Student Action Group.
March 18
* Office of Resources for Disabled Students, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.,
LSC Sunken Lounge. Information will be available to explain the
role of this student support office on campus, and the services
provided to students with disabilities and to the campus
community.
* Geri Jewel video, continuous showing, Sunken Lounge.
Presentation of comedian Geri Jewell and her views on disability
in society.
* Recreation Opportunities, noon-1 p.m., Sunken Lounge.
Information will be presented about recreational activities that
are available for people with disabilities through Fort Collins
Parks and Recreation.
March 19
* Living Healthy with a Chronic Illness, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,
Sunken Lounge. Informational display on chronic illnesses and
wellness issues. Part of Wellness Wednesday, sponsored by
Hartshorn Health Service.
*"Is What You See What You Get?," noon-1:30 p.m., Room 228
LSC. Reflection on the expectations of people facilitated through
metaphor, story and conversation. Part of Women at Noon,
sponsored by Women's Programs and Studies.
March 20
* American Sign Language 101, noon-1 p.m., Sunken Lounge.
Demonstration of sign language and information about Deaf
Culture. Presented by Colorado State's Sign Language Club.
* Recognition of Outstanding Effort Awards, 6-8 p.m., LSC West
Ballroom. Announcement and presentation of 1997 award winners.
Winners of the Barrier-Free Design Contest also will be announced
and all contest entries will be on display. In addition, the
Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League will present
"PHAMALY," a theatrical performance, as part of the evening's
events.
March 21
* Barrier Free Designs, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunken Lounge. Display
of winning designs by Colorado State interior design students.
* "In the Land of the Deaf," 9:30 p.m., LSC Theatre.
Critically acclaimed documentary that takes viewers on a journey
through the world of silence. Admission is $2.50.
For more information, call the Office of Resources for
Disabled Students at (970) 491-6385.
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