Advocacy Projects
The SDC does many advocacy projects to educate people and make change on campus and in the community. One event we had this year was during October, which was Disability Awareness Month, and we had a Disability Discussion Panel, where people addressed issues to the panel on how to create more inclusive environments in the university.
There is going to be an Information Session on Disability and the Importance of Being an Ally on Thursday, December 4th, from 5:30-7:00pm in McCarty Hall, 334. Free cookies and beverages will be offered. There will be four panelists will give a brief presentation on Disability Studies and how to interact with people with disabilities. They will talk about some of their experiences with disability and how it relates to disability etiquette. Then the audience will have a chance to ask questions and have an open discussion. The purpose of this Information Session is to get people together and educate them, disabled and nondisabled, about disability issues and how important it is to get involved and be an ally.
DRS (Disability Resources for Students) Review Committee- This committee works to provide a better system for students to receive their academic accommodations. This year we are bringing in a consultant to advise us in this process. We are also working on getting a full-time ADA coordinator to work at the university.
ACDI (Advisory Committee for Disability Issues)- This committee deals with any disability issues on campus and reports issues back to Dr. Sheila Edwards Lang, UW Interim Vice President for Minority Affairs and Vice Provost for Diversity.
The Standing Committee on Accessibility- This committee handles accessibility issues on campus. Part of the meetings are spent going over architectural plans for buildings.
Education/Training- Throughout the year SDC will be doing training seminars to educate the university and community on disability.
Visits to schools- SDC will be visiting elementary schools throughout the year to be mentors and talk to kids about disability.
(DAW) Disability Awareness Week- DAW is the week of May 18-22, and there will be events each day, and a few guest speakers.
Our goals with these advocacy projects are to educate people about disability, build community by promoting disability pride, and create more inclusive environments for all people.