Washington State University Vancouver will offer free events to observe Disability Awareness Month in October on its campus, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave.
• Kickoff celebration with state Rep. Cyrus Habib, 6 p.m. Oct. 2, Firstenburg Student Commons. Habib, blind since age 8, will discuss his journey through the public school system and the importance of creating inclusive learning environments. Parking passes will be available at check-in.
• “Reinventing the Wheel” photo exhibit opens at the kickoff and will be on display through Oct. 31 in the Student Diversity Center, Firstenburg Student Commons and the lower level of the Multimedia Classroom Building. Featuring 21 individuals with spinal cord injuries, the exhibit challenges perceptions of the lives of people with disabilities.
• Screening of “Music Within,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14, Dengerink Administration Building, Room 129 and 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 15, Multimedia Classroom Building, Room 6: Filmed in Portland, the film is based on the 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. Rated R. Parking is available at meters and for $3 in the Blue Daily Pay lot.
To learn more, visit http://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/student-diversity/disability-awareness-month.
