Oct. 11–18 is DisAbilities Awareness Week and NSU will host the 32nd annual DisAbilities Expo to promote awareness for students with disabilities and present outside resources for those in need of service.
Arlene Giczkowski, director of Student Disabilities Service, who coordinated the event, said, “I would like guests to be aware of what the community has to offer for people with disabilities. The whole purpose of the event is to raise awareness.”
DisAbilities Awareness Week will open with an art showcase ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 11 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the Don Taft University Center. The showcase entitled, “See the World through Our Eyes,” will display artwork created by local artists with disabilities.
On Oct. 15, the main event, the 2011 DisAbility Expo: Reaching Tomorrow Together! will feature more than 60 exhibits representing different agencies that work with people who have disabilities.
“I enjoy getting feedback from those who attend about services they were unaware of. It’s good to see that they are able to take advantage of their resources and we made that possible,” said Giczkowski.
Giczkowski said the expo will offer many volunteer opportunities for students while guests can enjoy live entertainment and art. There will also be many activities for children. Information will be presented at various seminars and author forums. A wheelchair basketball game and other sports demonstrations will also be held.
This year, a Chill–Zone room will be offered for Autistic children who need a quiet break before returning to the festivities.
“Everyone should come out. It’s going to be a fun event open to students and the public,” said Giczkowski. “It is our initiative to bring NSU and the community together for an exciting and unique experience that everyone can enjoy.”
