October is Disability Awareness Month and, in celebration of this, NSU will host the 33rd DisAbilities Expo, a series of events to create awareness of and celebrate physical and mental disabilities, from Oct. 4-6.
This is the fifth year that NSU has hosted the expo, which is open to the public. Arlene Giczkowski, director of student disability services, encourages NSU students to attend the event.
Billie Morgan, chair of the board for the disabilities expo, said that this event is intended for all students.
“It will be a great opportunity for students to learn about the differences in their community, support other students, and to be inspired by the stories they hear,” he said.
The expo opens at the Don Taft University Center on Oct. 4, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. There will be an art exhibit gala showcasing works from Broward-county artists with a range of physical and mental disabilities. The title of the exhibit will be “See the World Though our Eyes.”
The art gala will be followed by the Connections Career Fair on Oct. 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The career fair offers students with disabilities the chance to meet with potential employers who are specifically looking for employees with disabilities. Some of these will include Broward County’s Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Workforce One.
The disabilities expo’s main event will be held on Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in both the Don Taft University Center and the Alvin Sherman Library. There will be 70 exhibitors attending and offering information about disability services available on campus and in South Florida.
Morgan said, “It will be a great opportunity for students to learn about the differences in their community, support to other students, and to be inspired by the stories they hear.”
This year’s events will include educational forums, games, demonstrations, free health information about disabilities, including seminars for parents who have children with disabilities.
There will also be a wheel chair basketball game hosted by Eppy Financial Group. Also new this year, the inspiration runway fashion show, which will highlight clothing donated by local businesses and worn by disabled models.
Giczkowski estimates that there will be 1,000 attendees this year — 200 more than last year — because of the fashion show and increase in exhibitors. Giczkowski also encourages everyone to come and see what the expo is all about. Students attending this event will be able to show some Shark Pride, and raise awareness about disabilities.
Morgan said, “It’s a day of celebration where people with disabilities can learn to be themselves and get together.”
Jennifer McDaniel, junior biology major, said it is “Good to incorporate all people on the campus and to help them succeed.”
NSU students also have the opportunity to volunteer at the expo. For more information on volunteering, contact Alyson Galentine by Oct. 4, at 954-262-7491 or ag134@nova. edu. Additional information about the expo can be found at www. disAbilitiesExpo.com or on Facebook, by searching DisAbilities Expo.
