October is Disability Awareness Month and SSD is partnering with several campus and community partners to host a variety of events throughout the month!
Our theme this year is “See the Able, Not the Label”. From assistive technology to studying abroad to playing sports, our goal for Disability Awareness Month and our events is to expand people’s perceptions aboutnwhat a person with disabilities can do!
2017 Disability Awareness Month Events
SSD’s New Newsletter: The Advocate
Want to stay connected with disability-related updates and events on campus? Sign up for SSD’s monthly newsletter, The Advocate, here: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_37ZxCayaQqJhCF7
Texas Center for Disability Studies Speaker Series
When: Monday, October 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Where: School of Social Work Utopia Theater
What: The Texas Center for Disability Studies is collaborating with the School of Social Work and Services for Students with Disabilities to provide a speaker series during October 2017 Disability Awareness Month. A series of four speakers will present on different topics related to disability. This will be a lunch series (please bring your own lunch) and it is free and open to all. RSVP at https://disabilitystudies.utexas.edu/events/18
Tea and Tech with Texas Technology Access Program
When: Wednesday, October 4th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Student Services Building 4.212
What: Join SSD and the Texas Technology Access Program to learn about different types of assistive technology. Assistive Technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Come see what cool tools and technology are available at SSD and through the TTAP!
Building a Barrier-Free Campus exhibit
When: October 11th through the 23rd
Where: Perry-Castañeda Library
What: “Building a Barrier-Free Campus” exhibit explores how UT Arlington began to become a model accessible campus for students with disabilities starting in the mid-1960s—a time when disabled students had no right to attend K-12 schools or college and how disabled students and alums helped drive disability rights activism and adapted sports in Texas and beyond.
Building a Barrier-Free Roundtable Discussion
When: October 11th at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Perry-Castañeda Library, UFCU Room
What: The panel discussion will feature UT Austin and UT Arlington students, alumni, and faculty discussing accessibility on UT campuses.
Study Abroad Student Panel (PDF Event fliers)
When: Thursday, October 12th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: Student Activities Center 3.116
What: Come hear from UT Austin students about their study abroad experience. Staff from the International Office and Services for Students with Disabilities will be available to provide information and answer questions about studying abroad as a student with a disability.
Adapted Sports Night (PDF Event flier)
When: Tuesday, October 24th from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Where: Recreational Sports Center, Court 1
What: Have you wondered how people with disabilities participate in sports? Do you wonder if there is a sport that you can play? Come experience adapted sports for yourself! Stop by and meet local athletes who will introduce you to their sports and share their experiences competing on the national and international level.
Dinner in the Dark
When: Thursday, October 26th
Where: Student Activities Center Ballroom
What: Join the disABILITY Advocacy Student Coalition (DASC) for a unique dining experience. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live with a visual impairment? Enjoy a meal in the dark while learning from blind and visually impaired UT Austin students how they navigate life without sight. Cost is $5 paid in cash at the door and RSVP via Facebook is required.
Disability=Diversity Posters
Have you ever thought about disability as diversity? Our Disability=Diversity posters feature 11 UT students with disabilities sharing their thoughts on how their disability has helped them develop unique strengths, perspectives and experiences. Request posters to display in your space on campus by emailing ssd@austin.utexas.edu.