Mason Devotes Month to Challenging People to Walk in Others’ ShoesShining a Light on Disabilities:
by Sonya Hudson Posted on October 20th, 2009 in Uncategorized
Yasmin Tadjdeh, Asst. News Editor
This October, George Mason University will be celebrating Disability Awareness Month. The month will consist of several events to promote the advancement of members of the Mason community with disabilities and shine a light on their struggles.
Disability Awareness Month, which includes events such as a student panel on Oct. 19, a conference and the Out of the Darkness Walk among others, has been a work in progress.
Shoshonna Roberts, a graduate assistant for Program Board, has been planning Disability Awareness Month since August. Roberts, who has high hopes for turnout at the events, has been pleased with previous events this month.
“We had a great speaker, Dr. Tyler Cowen, this Tuesday who lead a discussion on autism and the language we use.”
Roberts hopes that Disability Awareness Month will educate the Mason community on people with disabilities.
“I hope to educate faculty and students with and without disabilities throughout the month . . . The event that I am most looking forward to is the student panel on Monday, Oct. 19 . . . it is a great opportunity for students and faculty to come and learn about the triumphs and challenges some of our Mason students with disabilities face,” Roberts said. “The most important thing we can do is educate ourselves more concerning disabilities. We can do this through discussion, asking questions, and attending some of the events planned during this month.”
Students interested in learning more about the lives of people with disabilities are encouraged to attend some of Disability Awareness Month’s events.
For more information, please visit the Office of Disability Services, or go to ods.gmu.edu.