During the 82nd Legislative Session, HB 3616 was passed which designates October as Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month in Texas (commonly called Disability Awareness Month). During this time, we have an opportunity to highlight the achievements of Texans with disabilities who made significant contributions to the state and to acknowledge the extraordinary Americans who led the way in the disability rights movement. The bill seeks to increase public awareness of the many achievements of people with disabilities; encourage public understanding of the disability rights movement; and reaffirm the local, state, and federal commitment to providing equality and inclusion for people with disabilities. For more information and additional resources to promote Disability Awareness Month visit http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/disability_history/ .
SSD has a long history of celebrating Disability Awareness Month during October. Please join us for the events listed below! We’ve also provided a PDF version of our calendar of events here: Disability Awareness Month Events Calendar. We’ll be busy posting on social media throughout the month so like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @UT_SSDisability so you don’t miss out!
Brown Bag Discussion with SSD: An information conversation about accommodations and disability at UT
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
11:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.
Student Activity Center (SAC) 1.118
Have you ever wondered why some students get extra time on their exams? Are you curious about why your instructor asks for a volunteer to share their notes?
Do you want to know who can qualify as a student with a disability? This is your chance to ask questions and increase your understanding of why and how we accommodate students with disabilities at UT. Bring your lunch and enjoy a casual Q&A session with SSD staff. Feel free to drop by and participate as your schedule allows
No RSVP required.
disABILITY Advocate Foundation Training
Wednesday, October 8
1 p.m.—3 p.m. • Student Activity Center (SAC) 1.118
This engaging two-hour training provides a foundation in disability education and awareness and allows for interaction and discussion among participants. Topics include disability-related language, how to recognize and reduce barriers for people with disabilities, the perspective of disability as an aspect of diversity, and how to make a positive difference on campus for people with disabilities.This training is open to students, faculty, and staff, but space is limited so please RSVP at: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/txclass/ EID log-in is required. Register for DA 1.
Wednesday October 15th
1 – 2:30p.m. • Student Activity Center (SAC) 1.118
Knowing how to provide accommodations to students can sometimes be a challenge. The disABILITY Advocate Faculty Training provides an opportunity for education and discussion about how to interact with and accommodate students with disabilities in order to create an understanding and inclusive environment at
UT while also balancing the integrity and rigor of academic courses and requirements. To RSVP go to: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/txclass/ EID log-in is required. Register for DA 2.
White Cane Day
Wednesday October 15th
9:15 a.m. – Starts at the Texas State Capitol. March to City Hall
10 a.m. – City Hall, Downtown Austin
Speech by the mayor followed by a celebration at Republic Square Park
This is a day to educate the world about blindness, how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently while giving back to their communities and to celebrate the abilities and successes achieved by blind people in a sighted world.
Breaking the Silence
Tuesday October 21st
7 – 9 p.m. • Texas Union Ballroom
Co-sponsored with Voices Against Violence in conjunction with Relationship Violence Prevention Month. Keynote speaker Aimme Morgan (Miss Wheelchair Alabama 2012), on and off-campus resource fair, free refreshments, and speak-out for student survivors of relationship violence.