In observance of National Disability Awareness Month 2014 in October, the University of Nevada, Reno is marking its 10th year of hosting the DIVERSABILITY Community Calendar of activities celebrating diverse abilities of persons with disabilities. The free events and lectures for 2014 began in September and extend into November as part of an ongoing initiative to increase awareness, accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities within the University community and beyond. Additional events hosted by Truckee Meadows Community College, the City of Reno, the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living and others are also scheduled.

According to recent government studies, more than 10 percent of undergraduates in higher education have a disability. The University of Nevada, Reno Disability Resource Center, which opened in 1996 and coordinates the University's annual events, provides year-round services to more than 1,200 students with disabilities. The University's series features nationally recognized speakers on personal and professional issues that challenge millions of Americans with disabilities. Events are open to the community and most events are free.

In 1945, U.S. Congress designated the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, with the aim of helping disabled veterans. The word "physically" was later removed to recognize the needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In the 1970s, a shift in public policy led to further amendments fueled by the belief that discriminatory acts of exclusion and segregation against people with disabilities should be addressed through the courts. As a result, the U.S. saw passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 and the designation, by presidential proclamation, of a full month to increase public awareness and acknowledge the capabilities of the 30 million people of working-age in the U.S. who live with disabilities.

An interpreter for the deaf is available at all University events. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations are encouraged to call the contacts for each event.

Events during Disability Awareness Month include:
Guest Speaker - Best-selling Author Michael Hingson
Wednesday, Oct. 22, Noon - Location: Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre
Thursday, Oct. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. - Location: Washoe County REOC, 5195 Spectrum Blvd., Reno
New York Times best-selling author Michael Hingson recounts his triumph in 2001 at Ground Zero on 9/11 with his beloved guide dog, the late Roselle, focusing on teamwork, trust and inclusion.
For more information, call the University's Disability Resource Center, 775-84-6000 or email maryac@unr.edu; and Aaron Kenneston, Washoe County Regional Emergency Operations Center at 775-337-5898.
FREE  

Guest Speaker - Navy Veteran and U.S. Paralympic Cyclist Steven Peace
Friday, Oct. 24, 5:30-8 p.m. - Location: California Building, 75 Cowan Dr., Reno
U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former Navy Lt. Cmdr. Steven Peace shares his experiences recovering from a stroke and beating the odds to compete as a 2012 U.S. Paralympic cyclist. Refreshments and appetizers will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m., and Peace will speak at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call April Wolfe at the City of Reno, 775-333-7765 or email wolfea@reno.gov.
Suggested minimum donation, $5 benefits the Disability Coalition and Ride 2 Recovery Project HERO disabled veteran cycling program.   

The Third Annual Pumpkin Palooza at Victorian Square
Sunday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. - Location: Victorian Ave. between Pyramid Way and 10th St., Sparks
Join the fun on Victorian Avenue and celebrate all things pumpkin when the Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living kicks off Pumpkin Palooza 2014. Events will include a pumpkin derby, carnival games, music, food, costume parade, ghost stories, pie-eating contests and more. Plus, enter your pumpkin in the beauty contest! For information, visit www.pumpkinpalooza.org.
FREE   

City of Reno/Paralympic Sport Reno Fall 2014 Adaptive Sports Programs
For more information, call April Wolfe at the City of Reno, 775-333-7765.

Reno Rumble Wheelchair Rugby Tournament
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, daily events - Plumas Gymnasium, 475 Monroe St., Reno
Hosted by the City of Reno Adaptive Recreation Program, teams from the U.S. Quad Rugby Association will join the Sierra Storm in a fun-filled weekend. Come support the team!
FREE

Leo Morales: La Historia de un Guerrero (Story of a Warrior)
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. - Location: Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre,
Join deep-diving world record holder Leo Morales and videographer Mario Alberto Chavez Navarro for a screening of the documentary chronicling Morales's life experiences sharing a message of empowerment and ability.
For more information, call Claudia Ortega-Lukas, 775-784-6127. FREE

The 9th Annual Assistive Technology (AT) Fair
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - Location: University of Nevada, Reno, Joe Crowley Student Union, Ballroom A, Reno Open to ALL students, parents, school district staff and disability service administrators, the fair showcases state-of-the-art assistive technology. FREE

National Disability Awareness Month events are sponsored and hosted by the Disability Awareness Coalition in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno Disability Resource Center, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College, City of Reno, Associated Students of the University of Nevada, Reno, Bookshare, Canine Companions for Independence, Cengage Learning, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy Resource Center, Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Humanware, Joe Crowley Student Union, Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities, Nevada Department of Education, Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Nevada Volunteers, Nevada Wolf Shop, Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living, The Note-Ables, Washoe County School District, Washoe County Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and the University's Center for Student Engagement, College of Engineering, Disability Resource Coalition, Enrollment Services, Extended Studies, Office of the Vice President for Student Services and Wolf Pack Athletics.

For more information about the University's Disability Awareness Month events, or the University's initiatives and services for people with disabilities, call Mary Anne Christensen at the Disability Resource Center, 775-784-6000, email maryac@unr.edu, or visit www.unr.edu/drc .