Disability Support Services, commonly known around campus as DSS, is currently promoting their Disability Awareness Week . From October 12-16th, students can expect to see various advertisements and participate in special events hosted by DSS all in an effort to bring awareness and understanding to the disabled community.
Director of DSS, Paula Burns, was able to take a moment for an interview and was happy to explain exactly what DSS is, and what it does for students of Green River.
"We level the playing field to give students special accommodations to start at the same level as other students," Burns said
Burns is not a fan of the word "disabled" and would rather people associate the term with simply doing things a little differently. Disability Awareness Week is about bringing awareness to students that disabled students are just like everyone else.
Disability Awareness Week also brings student attention to the various "invisible" disabilities that they might have themselves.
Starting Monday the 12th, a video will be played in MDA at 11:30 AM. The video, "Murderball" is about a community of wheelchair basketball players, the challenges they face, and the obstacles they overcome on a daily basis.
Wednesday the 14th will have many activities hosted by DSS for all students to enjoy. Beginning in the Glacier Room at noon, guest motivational speaker, Mark Wellman, will chat with students about the challenges he has overcome since becoming a paraplegic. Wellman continues to climb mountains to this day and is an inspiration to many.
Later Wednesday evening, DSS has helped sponsor Green River's very own wheelchair basketball game. At 6 PM, students can try playing basketball in a wheelchair for themselves. Admission to the game is free for students and fans alike. Participation is encouraged by all.
Disability Awareness Week will have a final sendoff on Thursday between 11AM and noon with visual aids to help people understand disabilities. Both computer simulations and a movie, "Misunderstood Minds" will give a sample of what these issues can look like. For more information on the video check out upcoming bulletin board announcements.
Students are encouraged to take advantage of all events throughout Disability Awareness Week. More information on how to help bring awareness and understanding is also available in the DSS office, located in room 271A of the LSC.
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