Uncovering "hidden differences" and "inaccessible worlds"
"You are only temporarily able-bodied, a disability is something that could affect anybody at any point," said Dr. Stephanie Cunningham, senior staff psychologist and outreach and training coordinator in the USI Counseling Center. Ronda Stone, disability resource coordinator says having a disability is a part of diversity, often left out of the conversation. "When you think about diverse populations, you're not thinking 'I'm not part of that population, but I could become one.'"
Whether it is visibly apparent or exists as a "hidden difference," disability is something touching nearly everyone's life. Even if we enjoy the privilege of not having to cope with a disability ourselves, many of us have at least one friend, family or loved one who doesn't share that privilege.
March is Disability Awareness Month, and departments and groups across campus have joined together to raise awareness about disabilities, accessibility, mobility and assistive technology.
Disability Awareness Panel: Uncovering Hidden Differences
From noon to 1 p.m. Monday, March 21 in the University Center East, room 2007, students will discuss what it's like to have a "hidden difference." Not every difference is immediately visible, yet many face discrimination for these invisible parts of their identity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and Tourette's syndrome are just a few examples of these less visible traits. Students will share experiences of discrimination, challenge myths and help us reflect on what it's like to be "an invisible minority."
A Photographic Journey Through an Inaccessible World
From 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 in the Rice Library, room 0017, Doug Goeppner, USI ADA coordinator, will give an interactive presentation illustrating inaccessibility in real-world settings. Goeppner's library of photographs shows actual locations inaccessible to a person with mobility impairment.
Getting the Gadget Edge: Using Technology to Stay on Top of Everything Life Throws at a College Student
Wade Wingler, director of assistive technology for Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA), and expert on assistive technology will be on campus from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 22 in the Orr Center, room 2018. Starting college can be challenging for anyone and time management, taking notes and staying on top of classes is essential. That challenge is compounded for individuals with ADHD or other diagnoses affecting concentration and planning.
Wingler introduces us to numerous apps and technology which help individuals improve organizational and other skills essential to being successful in a university setting. Even those who don't have the additional challenge of attention and concentration issues will find these gadgets and apps to be helpful in organizing, setting reminders and managing time effectively.
These events are sponsored by the Counseling Center; Housing and Residence Life; Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center; and the Rice Library, and are free and open to the public. View a complete calendar of Disability Awareness Week events and happenings.
For more information contact Ronda Stone at rfstone@usi.edu or 812-464-1961 or Stephanie Cunningham at scunningha@usi.edu or 812-464-1867.