The University Record, October 1, 2001

Investing in Ability Week is Oct. 8–12

By Shiri Bilik
News and Information Services

Design by Laurie Genslinger and illustration by Martin Soave, BMC Media
The University will celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities through educational programs and events during Investing in Ability Week, Oct. 8–12.

“It’s healthy to see campus-wide interest in this week,” says George “Sam” Goodin, student services associate with the Services for Students with Disabilities office. “Interest is coming from all sectors of the community, not just those designed to meet the needs of the disabled.”

Brian Clapham, Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator in Human Resources and Affirmative Action, says, “In 1990, we focused on making buildings barrier free. Now that the physical plant issues have been addressed, we’re looking at ways to remove other barriers—ways to get past seeing disabilities and seeing instead what each person can contribute. We see disability as an aspect of diversity.”

Investing in Ability Week is coordinated by the Office of Equity and Diversity Services at U-M Human Resources and Affirmative Action. Events are free of charge and open to the public. They will all be accessible to persons with disabilities and staffed with sign language interpreters.

Investing In Ability Week is sponsored by the Council for Disability Concerns, the Department of Theatre and Drama, Dialogues on Diversity, the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, the Office of Equity and Diversity Services, the Office of the General Counsel and Services for Students with Disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of Equity and Diversity Services at (734) 763-0235.

Events and activities for Investing in Ability Week

  • Performance Artist, Afi-Tiombe Kambon, 8 p.m. Oct. 8, The Ark, 316 S. Main St.

  • Handling Psychiatric Disabilities in the Workplace: Tips for Supervisors, Karen Semunek and Tom Waldecker, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Suite 18, Wolverine Tower.

  • The Disability Rights Movement in Michigan, Lauren J. Thomas, 10–11:30 a.m. Oct. 10, Yuri Kochiyama Lounge, South Quad.

  • Recent Developments Under the ADA, Megan P. Norris, 10–11:30 a.m. Oct. 11, Kuenzel Room, Michigan Union.

  • The James Neubacher Award and CDC Appreciation Awards, 10:30 a.m.–noon Oct. 12, Vandenberg Room, Michigan League.

  • “Art with a View II” Exhibit, Sept. 30–Oct. 12, first floor, U-M Media Union Gallery.

  • “The History of Deafness at U-M” Exhibit, Oct. 1–Oct. 12; Opening Reception 4 p.m. Oct. 1; first floor, Michigan Union Arts Lounge.

  • “Documentaries and (dis)Abilities” Video Serieswill be shown at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8–12 in Auditorium B, Angell Hall.