Disabilities Awareness Week 2010
slated for March 15-18

March 8, 2010 -- Disability Awareness Week at Arkansas State University has been scheduled for Monday-Thursday, March 15-18, as part of ASU’s continuing Centennial Celebration. The theme for is “Embrace Our Past, Imagine Our Future: Opening a World of Opportunity.”

Several events are scheduled throughout the week beginning with “Disability Services’ Exhibits and Assistive Technology” Monday, March 15, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Leadership Center Lounge, Student Union, second floor. This exhibit displays significant accomplishments of those with disabilities. A second exhibit with various assistive technology devices will also be displayed and an assistive technology evaluation for students will be available from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the same location.

Disability Services, located in Room 2181 of the ASU student Union, is directed by Dr. Jenifer Rice-Mason (jrmason@astate.edu). For more information, contact the office at (870) 972-3964 or visit the Disabilities Awareness 2010 schedule. Here is a schedule for the week’s events:

Monday March 15, 2010
Disability Services’ Exhibits and Assistive Technology
9 a.m.-3 p.m., Place: Leadership Center Lounge, Student Union second floor. (Significant accomplishments of people with disabilities.)
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Place: Leadership Center Lounge, Student Union second floor
Various assistive technology devices will be displayed & an Assistive Technology evaluation for students.

Hearing Screenings
9 a.m.—3 p.m., Place: Reynolds Atrium (Bottom Floor)
Communicative Disorders will provide hearing screenings at no charge for students, faculty, staff and guests from the community. Sponsored by ASU Communication Disorders and ASU Disability Services. Contact: Arianne Pait, 972-3106 or Vaneta Harvey, 972-3964.

Tuesday March 16, 2010
Seizure Workshop
Session One 11 a.m.-Noon, Place: Student Union Centennial Hall
Session Two 3:30-4:30 p.m., Place: ASU Museum Room 182
Presenter: Amanda McMillon, RN, BSN, CDE. St. Bernard’s Medical Center Community Educator
Valuable information will be presented on how to identify if a person is having a seizure and what to do if someone is having a seizure. Different types of seizures will also be identified.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Attitude is the Window through Which We Must See the World
11-11:45 a.m. Place: Student Union Mockingbird Room, Presenter: Dr. Grover Evans

Student Forum
Noon-1:30 p.m., Place: Student Union Mockingbird Room.
A panel of individuals with disabilities, faculty and professionals will discuss the challenges of college life and how they cope with transition from high school to college and to the work place.
Dr. Barbara Turnage will serve as the facilitator. Dr. Grover Evans will serve on the panel.
Contact person: Sondra Sims, 972-3964.

Study Skills & Tips for Taking Web Classes
2-3 p.m., Place: Student Union Mockingbird Room.
Presenters: Jane Coburn, Tracy Coburn Lewis and Whitney Collins.
Unique approach on proven methods to prepare for exams, take exams and how to concentrate. Tips on taking web classes (how to organize, etc.) will also be covered.

Thursday, March 18, 2010
Building Communication and Self-Advocacy Skills
9:30-10:45 a.m. Place: Student Union Mockingbird Room
Billy W. Altom will speak on building communication skills, self-advocacy, and being knowledgeable of support programs, agencies, student organizations, and the importance of completing the registration process for support programs and services in a timely and efficient manner.

Centennial Luncheon
12:00-1:30. Place: Student Union Centennial Hall
Presenter: Billy W. Altom, Executive Director, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living
“Providing Access and Promoting Self-Advocacy” Contact Dr. Jenifer Rice-Mason or Jane Coburn for tickets.

Student Organization Forum
2:00-3:15. Place: Student Union Mockingbird Room
Billy W. Altom will speak on self-advocacy, and seeking academic and support services. Students struggle as they transition to college because they relied on the structure of high school and the support of parents. Because of this, many are unable to handle responsibilities independently at college, resulting in discouragement and academic disappointment.

Faculty Resources Online - Faculty resources and training materials on accommodating students with disabilities are available online at: http://www2.astate.edu/a/student-affairs/disability/faculty_resources/faculty_resources/.
 

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