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Colts spokesperson to speak at USI Disability Awareness Week

March 23, 2015

The University of Southern Indiana will host speaker Josh Bleill, U.S. Marine Corporal and spokesperson for the Indianapolis Colts, in support of Disability Awareness Week. "One Step at a Time: A Young Marine's Story of Courage, Hope, and a New Life in the NFL" will be presented at 6 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, in Forum I in the Wright Administration Building.

Bleill will speak about his journey from enlistment to active duty in Fallujah, through two years of rehab and, ultimately, to his job as the community spokesperson for the Indianapolis Colts. A native of Greenfield, Indiana, he attended Purdue University and later joined the United States Marine Corps in 2004. He was activated for a tour of duty in Iraq in 2006.

While serving in Iraq, Bleill was severely injured, resulting in the loss of both of his legs. After extensive rehabilitation, he returned to Indiana in 2008, and was hired by the Indianapolis Colts.

Indianapolis Colts Owner, Jim Irsay, described Bleill as "very talented, bright-eyed and skilled." Bleill now travels the country to spread his message of hope, "one step at a time." The presentation is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, University Division and other campus partners.

Disability Awareness Week

In celebration of USI's Disability Awareness Week (March 30 to April 3), the Counseling Center, Office of Disability Resources, and the USI ADA Coordinator have joined with various campus partners to offer programming to increase understanding about the lives and experiences of individuals with disabilities, challenge misconceptions about what it means to be disabled and cultivate appreciation for ability status as an important aspect of multiculturalism.

Wade Wingler, director of assistive technology for INDATA (Indiana Assistive Technology Act) will share his expertise on assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. "Getting the Gadget Edge: Using Technology to Stay on Top of Everything Life Throws at a College Student," will be presented at 6 p.m. Monday, March 30, in University Center East Room 2217-2218.

A panel discussion "Uncovering Hidden Differences" will take place at noon Monday, March 30, in University Center East Room 2217-2218. The panel discussion will challenge myths about disability and differences, and bring awareness to what it is like to be an "invisible minority."

Doug Goeppner, USI ADA coordinator, will give an interactive presentation, "A Photographic Journey through an Inaccessible World!," at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, in the University Center East Room 2217-2218. Participants will learn how the physical world is experienced by persons with disabilities. 

For more information on Disability Awareness Week, contact Dr. Stephanie Cunningham, outreach coordinator at the Counseling Center, at scunningha@usi.edu or 812-464-1867.

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