The University Record, October 2, 2000

Investing in Ability Week starts Oct. 10

By Donna J. Kehoe
Human Resources/Affirmative Action

In celebration of the 10th year anniversary of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), sponsors of Investing in Ability Week recently announced their annual series of educational programs and events designed to increase awareness of important disability issues. Events also are designed to promote a greater recognition of the skills and talents that people with disabilities contribute to the University and the greater society.

This year’s events include:

  • “Disability Law in the Tradition of Civil Rights,” noon–1:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Room 1270, School of Business Administration Educational Center. Paul Grossman, chief attorney in the San Francisco office of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, will present the inaugural address for Investing in Ability Week. Grossman is nationally known for his extensive expertise on disability rights topics and is in great demand as a speaker on these issues. He is particularly knowledgeable about the relationship of disability law to higher education institutions.

  • “Handicapitalism: The Power of the Human Spirit,” 7–9 p.m. Oct. 11, Hussey Room, Michigan League. Johnnie Tuitel, nationally-known motivational speaker and founder and executive director of Alternatives in Motion, will share insights into his life with cerebral palsy. Tuitel is a member of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns and a recipient of the prestigious EDI Award (Equality, Dignity, Independence) from the National Easter Seals Society.

  • “Avoiding Pitfalls in Accommodating Employees with Psychiatric Disabilities,” 1–2:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Kuenzel Room, Michigan Union. Get suggestions and discover resources that will help you as a University supervisor in appropriately accommodating an employee who has a psychiatric disability. Featured panelists include Reg Arthur Williams, School of Nursing; Dan Schleh, general manager, South Quadrangle Dining Services; Michael Moriarty, MWorks employee assistance counselor; Kathy Jordan-Sedgeman, nurse manager in psychiatry; Gloria Hage, assistant general counsel, Office of the General Counsel; and Brian Clapham, ADA coordinator, Office of Equity and Diversity Services, HRAA.

  • The James Neubacher Award and CDC Appreciation Awards, 10:30 a.m.–noon Oct. 13, Executive Committee Conference Room, Room 2553, LS&A Building. This year’s award will be presented to Rachel Arfa, a recent U-M graduate who has made exceptional contributions to promoting acceptance and awareness of people with disabilities in the University academic and student communities. The Council for Disability Concerns also will present special certificates of appreciation to members of the University community who have made exceptional efforts to accommodate employees and students with disabilities.

    Investing in Ability Week also sponsored a premiere showing of “And You Can Quote Me on That,” a half-hour video documentary produced by Dialogues on Diversity. The video features interviews with 15 U-M students who have a variety of disabilities and who speak candidly about their experiences at the University. For more information about the video, contact Dialogues on Diversity, (734) 647-2655.

    Investing in Ability Week is sponsored by the Council for Disability Concerns, Dialogues on Diversity, Equity and Diversity Services, Michigan League Programming, Pierpont Commons Arts and Programs, and Services for Students with Disabilities.

    All events are free and open to all members of the University community and the public. For more information, call (734) 763-0235, TTY (734) 647-1388, or visit the Web at www.umich.edu/~hraa/ability.