In observance of National Disability Awareness Month, the University of Nevada, Reno is hosting a series of free events and lectures in October 2005 as part of its ongoing initiative to increase awareness, accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities within the university community and beyond.
The month-long series, “A Year of Abilities in Sports and the Arts," will feature nationally recognized speakers on personal and professional issues that challenge millions of Americans with disabilities in athletics, sports, entertainment and the performing and fine arts. A film series will also be shown.
All events are free and lunch is provided.
National studies have shown that one freshman in 11 entering higher education each year will have a documented disability. The University of Nevada, Reno conducts research and training through the Nevada Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities and the Disability Resource Center, which provides services to more than 880 students with disabilities. The University Disabilities Resource Coalition also advocates for students, faculty and staff through the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity.
Events during Disability Awareness Month at the University of Nevada, Reno, include:
October 5, 2005, noon
Kick-Off Luncheon
Speaker: Rachael Scdoris, Iditarod Racer
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Legacy Hall
Rachael Scdoris is the first visually impaired athlete to compete in the acclaimed Alaskan Iditarod, and the youngest musher ever to finish a 500-mile international sled dog race. She is ranked third in 1500m and 3000m by the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), and won the bronze medal in the USTAF Paralympic Trials. She will share her experiences training and competing successfully in some of the most challenging sports in the world.
FREE, includes lunch
October 11, 2005, 7 p.m.
Movie showing: “Shine"
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Jot Travis Student Union, Pine Lounge
Based on the true story of Australian pianist David Helfgott (played by Geoffrey Rush), the film charts the traumatic early years and childhood brilliance of this gifted musician's life, and the loss of his family in the concentration camps. After being institutionalized in a psychiatric facility for a decade, Helfgott begins again, playing piano in a bar before finally arriving in the concert hall.
FREE
October 12, 2005, noon
Concert: The NOTE-ABLES
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Jot Travis Student Union, Pine Lounge
The mission of the Note-Ables is to raise awareness that creativity has no barriers by providing inclusive musical experiences to all members of the community regardless of age or ability. Come listen to this musical group while you enjoy a relaxing lunch.
FREE, includes lunch
October 18, 2005, noon
Speaker: Jon Evans
Topic: An American with dis/Ability
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Jot Travis Student Union, Pine Lounge
Exploring the dynamics of hereditary deafness, vocational rehabilitation, diversity, advocacy and survival as a person with disabilities, John Evans will share how he and many others feel in today's political and economic environment. One of three deaf brothers in a family with five siblings, Evans graduated from Seattle University with a degree in Public Administration and Human Resource Development.
FREE, includes lunch
October 18, 2005, 7 p.m.
Movie showing: “My Left Foot"
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Jot Travis Student Union, Pine Lounge
Told in flashbacks, this true story explores the life of Christy Brown (played by Daniel Day Lewis), a quadriplegic born with crippling cerebral palsy into a poor Irish family. Able only to control movement in his left foot and to speak in guttural sounds, Brown is mistakenly believed to be retarded for the first 10 years of his life. Through the help of his mother, a dedicated teacher, and his own determination, Brown grapples with life's simple physical tasks and complex psychological pains, maturing into a brilliant painter, poet and author who uses his only functional limb to create his inspiring work.
FREE
October 25, 2005, noon
Wheelchair Sports: Demo Luncheon
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Jot Travis Student Union, Quad
Learn about the impressive accomplishments, challenges and physical range of wheelchair athletes who compete locally, nationally and internationally in a wide variety of sports.
FREE, includes lunch
October 25, 2005, 6 p.m.
Wheelchair Sports: Panel Presentation
Movie showing: “Murderball"
Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Jot Travis Student Union, Pine Lounge
Join in a panel discussion with experienced wheelchair athletes and enjoy the amazing documentary, “Murderball," a film about quadriplegic athletes who play full-contact rugby — aka Murderball — in Mad Max-style wheelchairs, overcoming unimaginable obstacles to compete in the Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.
FREE
A Year of Abilities in Sports and the Arts is sponsored by the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in collaboration with the Nevada University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCED), University of Nevada, Reno Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, and the University Disabilities Resource Coalition, with additional support from the Graduate Student Association, University of Nevada Athletics, Jot Travis Student Union, and Extended Studies.
In 1945, U.S. Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, with the aim of helping disabled veterans. The word “physically" was later removed to recognize the needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In the 1970s, a shift in public policy led to further amendments fueled by the belief that discriminatory acts of exclusion and segregation against people with disabilities should be addressed through the courts. As a result, the U.S. saw passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the designation, by presidential proclamation, of a full month to increase public awareness and acknowledge the capabilities of the 30 million people of working-age in the U.S. who live with disabilities.
For more information about the University of Nevada, Reno Disability Awareness Month events, or the University's initiatives and services for people with disabilities, call Mary Anne Christensen at the Disability Resource Center, (775) 784-6000, email [email protected], or visit: http://www.unr.edu/stsv/slservices/drc
For more information contact All About Jazz.
