Events Promote Disability Awareness, Fairness
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up disabled?
With October being National Disability Awareness Month, an Alma College
initiative titled Project:Able! will offer a number of activities to
spread awareness and advocate for equal treatment of people with
disabilities.
“Folks labeled disabled are among the largest and most ignored
minority,” says Monica Rentfrow ’08, who is helping organize and
promote disability awareness events.
“All of the events during Project:Able! week are unique opportunities
to broaden our often too simplistic view of American society,” says
Rentfrow. “I foresee this week being a fun learning experience, and I
hope all would consider participating.”
Events kick off with keynote speaker Johnnie Tuitel at 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 24th in the Heritage Center. Tuitel, a national speaker
for disability awareness, shares his experiences growing up with
cerebral palsy and being in a wheelchair, inspiring audiences and
relieving the awkwardness that often arises regarding disabilities.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Tuitel was the first disabled student legally mainstreamed into the
public school system in Michigan, and he didn’t stop there. After high
school, Tuitel attended and received a bachelor’s degree from Hope
College. He co-founded Alternatives in Motion, a non-profit
organization that provides wheelchairs free of charge to those in need.
He also authored a series of mystery/adventure books whose main
character is disabled.
“We wanted to bring someone to campus who could help unite the
students, community and resources to make a difference,” says Alisa
Dean, a member of Project:Able! and Service House advisor. “We
really believe that Tuitel will affect and inspire everyone.”
The week continues with The David Garcia Project (DGP), which offers
experiential disability awareness training, at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26th
in Jones Auditorium at Alma College. Due to the hands-on, personal
approach, participation is necessarily limited. Anyone wishing to get
involved with this DGP training session should contact Dean at
dean@alma.edu to reserve a spot.
DGP is a disabilities awareness program in which participants simulate
everyday activities with different disabilities. Each facilitated
simulation includes various interactive models designed to provide
participants with an accurate understanding of the challenges of living
with various disabilities. Through post-simulation discussion and
educational models, the DGP focuses on creating empathy – not sympathy
– for disabled persons. Participants are encouraged to use the DGP
experience as a springboard for further advocacy for the rights of
disabled persons.
Activities wrap up on Saturday, Oct. 27th, which is National Make a
Difference Day. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a Special Olympics
Poly-hockey Tournament in the Stone Recreation Center sponsored by the
College’s Non-traditional Student Organization (NSO). Anyone who is
interested in working a bake sale or donating their time by refereeing
or helping in another way should contact NSO.
“Even if people are unable to work, if they could just show up to cheer
on the athletes, it would be wonderful and motivating,” says Anne Ritz,
Service Learning Coordinator.
Project:Able! is a collaboration between the College’s Education
department, Service Learning House, Provost Office, Non-traditional
Student Organization and students, with additional help and involvement
from Alma Middle School, the Pine Avenue Elementary School, and the
Explore After School program that works to spread awareness of and
advocate for equal treatment for people with disabilities.
Posted: Mon, October 15th, 2007 at 12:31AM
