BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — We are always thrilled to pass on community events that make an impact — and FAU’s upcoming celebration of Disability Awareness Month does just that.
Here is a list of what’s happening and where:
Florida Atlantic University will host a series of events to commemorate Disability Awareness Month during October. The various events offered during the month are designed to physically and mentally energize and challenge all participants and raise awareness about the different types of disabilities.
“We are providing all FAU students with an opportunity to experience what our students with disabilities experience throughout their lifetime,” said Nicole Rokos, director of FAU’s Office for Students with Disabilities.
More than 850 students at FAU are registered with the University’s Office for Students with Disabilities, where trained staff provide students with documented disabilities the academic support services and accommodations they need to give them equal access to all of the academic programs at FAU.
The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) within FAU’s College of Education is another center on campus that provides support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities. Stand Among Friends Disability Center, located on FAU’s Boca Raton campus within the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, provides important information and resources for people with disabilities. The Center includes a computer lab that features many technology devices, and a disability employment program.
Along with the Office for Students with Disabilities, the events are sponsored by several FAU organizations, including Campus Recreation, FAU Program Board, Owls Supporting Diversity (OSD) Club, and Stand Among Friends.
The following events will take place at FAU’s Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus, unless otherwise noted:
Goalball Demonstration and Competition
Wednesday, October 3, 5:30 p.m.
FAU Recreation and Fitness Center, Boca Raton Campus
During Goalball, participants compete in teams of three and try to throw a ball with bells embedded in it into the opponents’ goal, while being blindfolded so the participant can experience what a team sport is like with a visual impairment. The participants must use the sound of the bell to judge the position and movement of the ball. A presentation and coaching will be provided by Donte’ Mickens, a U.S. Paralympic Goalball team member who participated in the Athens and Beijing Olympic Games. For more information, contact Shelly Devino at 561-297-3880 orsdevino@fau.edu.
Diversity Luncheon
Tuesday, October 9, 12:30 p.m.
FAU Davie Campus, SD 105
Participants will be assigned a disability and will experience that disability throughout the luncheon. A discussion will follow. Please RSVP to Amy Schwartz Parker at 954-236-1222 or aschwart@fau.edu.
Wheelchair Basketball
Wednesday, October 10, 1 p.m. Demonstration and 5:30 p.m. Tournament
FAU Recreation and Fitness Center, Boca Raton Campus (all campuses participating)
Participants will either watch or be involved in a highly energetic, fast-paced wheelchair basketball tournament. FAU students have the opportunity to experience playing basketball while using a wheelchair and can create a team consisting of six players that will compete against other FAU teams. Wheelchairs and coaching from Matt Glowacki, a member of the Paralympic games in Sydney and a wheelchair basketball expert, will be provided. For more information, contact Hakim Groomes to register or get more information at 561-297-4512 orhgroomes@fau.edu.
Movie Presentation and Discussion
Tuesday, October 16, doors open at 6:30 p.m. and movie begins at 7 p.m.
FAU Student Union Kaye Auditorium, Boca Raton Campus
“Front of the Class,” a movie based on a true story, is centered on Brad Cohen. Brad was determined to become a teacher despite having Tourette syndrome. Come enjoy this inspiring movie with snacks and a lively discussion following the movie. Movie presented by Office for Students with Disabilities and Student Involvement and Leadership. For more information contact Shelly Devino at sdevino@fau.edu.
Diversability Olympics
Wednesday, October 17, 4 p.m.
Jupiter Campus, Recreation Fields
Participants will enjoy a mini-Olympics designed to raise awareness about different abilities. Games include goalball, and more. For more information please contact Farley Leiriao at fleiriao@fau.edu.
A Taste of Disability Dinner
Thursday, October 18, 4 p.m. Boca Raton Campus
Grand Palm Room, Student Union
and also on
Tuesday, October 30, 6 p.m.
SR 108 Jupiter Campus
Students will be assigned a disability and will experience that disability throughout the dinner. If a student assumes the role of someone who is visually impaired, for example, a blindfold will be placed over his or her eyes. If a student is assigned a physical impairment, he or she may be placed in a wheelchair. Discussion groups will be facilitated by the OSD Club and the Office for Students with Disabilities. This event is by RSVP only. Please contact Michelle Shaw at 561-297-3880 or mshaw@fau.edu for RSVP at Boca Raton Campus. Please contact Farley Leiriao 561-799-8010 or fleiriao@fau.edu for RSVP at Jupiter Campus.
