By Natalie Vaughan
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The Center for Students with Disabilities at the University of Houston held events from Nov. 18-22 to commemorate Disability Awareness Week.

All events were free, including concerts, art shows, theater performances, a comedy presentation, an educational conference and meals.

"The goal is to educate students, faculty, staff and the Houston community about disability issues," said Cheryl Amoruso, director of the Center for Students with Disabilities. "We also want to emphasize the abilities of people with disabilities."

A music and art festival launched the events of Disability Awareness Week Nov. 18. Artists with disabilities displayed their artwork, while music and theater performances were put together by Satellite Season, Illumination-Theatre with the Deaf and Dionysus Theatre Troupe, which consists of students with disabilities.

"The artwork and performances by both groups with disabilities were incredible and inspiring," said Jenny Pursley. "It makes me want to be aware and never underestimate the abilities of someone with a disability."

A panel of experts presented an "Employment Law and Disability" symposium Nov. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. Speakers included Ronald Scott, of the UH Law School, John Powell of Powell Law Firm and D'Andra Millsap Shu of Baker Botts L.L.P.

Alex Valdez, a comedian with a disability who gained national recognition, performed "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Diversity."

He combined his life experiences, and years of diversity and disability training, into a presentation to entertain the audience.

Students who have visual or mobility impairments particiated in a campus accessibility visit and got to visit the campus in a wheelchair.

"UH-Clear Lake supports the efforts of Disabilities Awareness Week on the main campus," said Sean Murphy, coordinator of disability services. "We are looking into having a disabilities week on our campus soon."

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