In observance of National Disability Awareness Month, the University of Nevada, Reno is hosting a series of free events and lectures in October 2008 as part of its ongoing initiative to increase awareness, accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities within the university community.
Posters:
For more information about the following sports programs, call April Wolfe at the City of Reno, (775) 333-7765.
Come join the third annual Accommodations Fair for students and prospective students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Disability services administrators, students, parents and community members will also have the opportunity to see accommodations "in action" at exhibit booths. This event will have social and educational activities for deaf and hard of hearing youth from Northern Nevada.
For more information, call Mary Anne Christensen in the University's Disability Resource Center, (775) 784-6000 or email maryac@unr.edu.
FREE, includes noontime barbecue!
Brian Wetzel will present "Side by Side: A Journey with Depression," a funny look at serious survival.
For more information, call NAMI, (530) 577-4740.
FREE
Emceed by Teri Hendry, this year's National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Nevada convention will feature lectures on a wide range of mental health issues. Speakers include Dr. Mark Viner, M.D., Tom Lavin, MFT, LADC, Dr. Rena Nora, M.D., Dr. Melissa Piaseki, M.D., and many others. For more information, call Bunchie Tyler, (775) 322-1436.
Paralyzed surfer, motivational speaker/advocate and founder of the nonprofit organization Life Rolls On will speak reminding people that no matter how life may appear, it does indeed roll on.
For more information, call Mary Anne Christensen at the Disability Resource Center, (775) 784-6000 or email maryac@unr.edu.
FREE, includes lunch!
Noted author and legal scholar Elyn Saks has lived with schizophrenia since adolescence. She will deliver this year's keynote address for the University of Nevada, Reno's Disability Awareness Month. Her most recent book, The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness, allowed Saks to come forward about her illness.
For more information, call Mary Anne Christensen at the Disability Resource Center, (775) 784-6000 or email maryac@unr.edu.
FREE, includes lunch!
A book signing will follow her presentation in the ASUN Bookstore, second floor, Joe Crowley Student Union.
Discover how music can change lives. Join this family-friendly fundraiser for Note-Ables programs in support of people with mental and physical disabilities. The event includes a raffle and performances featuring talent from many of The Note-Ables programs.
Call (775) 324-5521 for more information.
Tickets: $10, includes dinner!
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) helps blind persons achieve self confidence and self respect, and acts as a vehicle for collective self expression by the blind. Presentations during the NFB of Nevada convention include Susan Lisagor, regional representative for U.S. Senator Harry Reid. Call Jeanine Mooers, (775) 853-1838 for more information.
Dr. Fredrick Frese will present his experiences of being diagnosed with schizophrenia. Local mental health advocate and comedian Joe Tyler will kick off the event by presenting a comedy show that incorporates his parrots while enlightening the audience about mental health issues.
For more information, call the Disability Resource Center (775) 673-7277.
FREE, includes refreshments!
National studies have shown that 1 freshman in 11 entering higher education each year will have a documented disability. The University of Nevada, Reno Disability Resource Center, which opened in 1996, provides services to more than 880 students with disabilities.
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.
For more information about the University of Nevada, Reno 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: http://www.unr.edu/stsv/slservices/drc
