UW News

May 18, 2011

Disability Awareness Week offers variety of events

From May 23 thru May 28, the ASUW Student Disability Commission will be hosting Disability Awareness Week, a series of events celebrating disability as an aspect of diversity and identity. The weeklong series of events will include a panel discussion on the future of accessible technology, an evening of disability poetry and art, a flash mob that highlights different forms of communication and a deaf storytelling night with a variety of signed performances.

The intent of these events are to promote disability rights, identity and social justice as well as to bring together students with disabilities on campus to build community. Through these events, the commission hopes to create a more welcoming environment for students with disabilities that is free from stigma, discrimination and oppression.

Here is the schedule of events:

Monday, May 23

3-4:30 p.m,. Redefining the Body: A Panel Discussion on the Future of Accessible Technology, with Richard Ladner, a professor in computer science who has done extensive research on accessible technology at the UW, Mark Harniss from the Technology & Disability in the Developing World initiative, and Gaby de Jongh from the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program, 288 Mary Gates Hall

Tuesday, May 24

5-7 p.m., Film Screening: “The Couple,” 220 Odegaard Library

Wednesday, May 25

12:20 p.m., Every Body Freeze, Now! Red Square

Thursday, May 26

6:30-8:30 p.m., Cripping Culture: A Poetry Slam and Art Show, with live performance and open mic, Parnassus Cafe, Art Building.

Friday, May 27

7-9 p.m., Celebration Dinner, Shultzys (RSVP via email: asuwswdc@uw.edu)

Saturday, May 28

7-9 p.m. Mr. Shineyhead presents: “A Storytelling Extravaganza,” featuring deaf actor and artist Patrick Fisher (aka Mr. Shineyhead), Parrington Hall Commons