UNIVERSITY PARK – October is Disability Awareness Month at Penn State. The theme of the month is “Diversability,” which focuses on the abilities and talents of people with disabilities.
Diversability events are intended to promote discussion and exploration of topics related to accessibility, equality and inclusion for people with disabilities. Diversability events are sponsored by Penn State’s Disability Advisory Group, a consortium of individuals from across the University working together to enhance disability initiatives at Penn State.
Events taking place at Penn State University Park during Disability Awareness Month feature a broad range of topics:
— Music and Recovery. Rob Gutttenberg acquired multiple physical and cognitive disabilities at the age of 29 as the result of a brain hemorrhage. Guttenberg will share his personal memories about having brain surgery and his fight to regain his memory and physical abilities. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Oct. 8, 110 Music Building I
— Josh Swiller, author and advocate for the deaf, will talk about his memoir “The Unheard: A Memoir of Deafness and Africa.” Swiller will share his experiences traveling throughout the world and his transition from being deaf to getting a cochlear implant and being able to hear well. 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Oct. 17, Foster Auditorium, Pattee Library
— “Rohan Murphy’s Life Story: No Legs, No Problem!” Despite losing his legs at birth, Rohan Murphy was a successful wrestler in high school and continued his wrestling career at Penn State. Murphy now devotes his time to sharing his story with others as a professional motivational speaker. Come hear this dynamic and engaging speaker from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Auditorium, HUB-Robeson Center.
— “Going Blind: A Documentary.” This feature-length documentary about vision loss in the United States will be shown from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Oct. 14, in the West Halls Cultural Lounge.
— Exercise is Medicine for all Abilities. You can join Penn State faculty and kinesiology students for this campus-wide initiative promoting the health benefits of physical activity. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 15, patio in front of the Palmer Museum of Art
— An Afternoon with the Artist: Michael Platzer, the Mouth Painter. When a 1975 diving accident left Platzer quadriplegic, he sought expression through art. His work has been exhibited throughout Pennsylvania and was selected for the Christopher Reeve Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Holiday Card Series. 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Oct. 23, East Halls Cultural Lounge
— Wheelchair Basketball. Interested people can participate in this activity, observe or help out by timing or scoring the games. 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30, in the White Building Big Gymnasium
Penn State students, faculty and staff and interested community members are invited to attend these and many more events that are taking place during Disability Awareness Month. A schedule with detailed information about all the events taking place during Disability Awareness Month is available at http://equity.psu.edu/ods/diversability.
Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, contact the Office for Disability Services at 814-863-1807 in advance of your participation or visit.