Vancouver, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will host events aimed to challenge social stereotypes and explore the diverse experiences of people with different abilities in honor of Disability Awareness Month in October. Disability Awareness Month is a nationwide campaign recognizing the societal and workforce contributions of people with disabilities.
Kickoff Celebration with State Rep. Cyrus Habib
6 p.m. Oct. 2
Firstenburg Student Commons
Free and open to the public
State Rep. Cyrus Habib of Washington’s 48th District is the keynote speaker for the kickoff celebration. Blind since age 8, Habib will discuss his journey through the public school system and the importance of creating inclusive learning environments.
Named one of the “40 Under 40 Political Rising Stars of 2014” by the Washington Post, Habib is the first blind Washington legislator in more than half a century.
The photo exhibit “Reinventing the Wheel” will open at the kickoff. The exhibit features 21 individuals with spinal cord injuries and further challenges current perceptions of the lives of people with disabilities. “Reinventing the Wheel” will be on display through Oct. 31 in the Student Diversity Center, Firstenburg Student Commons and the lower level of the Multimedia Classroom Building.
Parking passes will be available at check-in.
Film screening, “Music Within”
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 14
Dengerink Administration Building, Room 129, and
4 – 6 p.m. Oct. 15
Multimedia Classroom Building, Room 6
Free and open to the public
Filmed in Portland, Ore., “Music Within” is based on the true story of Richard Pimentel, an activist for the Americans with Disabilities Act. When Pimentel returns home from Vietnam severely hearing impaired, he discovers the deficiencies surrounding the rights of people with disabilities and challenges the system. “Music Within” is rated R.
Parking for the movie screenings is available at meters and for $3 in the Blue Daily Pay lot.
To see more 91ԹϺ Disability Awareness Month events, visit .
About 91ԹϺ
91ԹϺ is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. in Vancouver, east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service.
91ԹϺ is celebrating 25 years of creating access to higher education in Southwest Washington. For 25 years, students have chosen 91ԹϺ for its scenic campus, small classes, close personal attention, topnotch faculty, accessible location and reasonable costs. At 91ԹϺ, students gain much more than a degree—they gain a brighter future.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu
Bola Majekobaje, Student Diversity Office, 360-546-9568, majekoba@vancouver.wsu.edu