disibility awareness week fair

SAN BERNARDINO, California—October is Disability Awareness Month, and San Bernardino Valley College is marking the occasion with a week of events aimed at informing the community about on-campus resources and services available for students.

"Everyone who is affiliated with Valley College should come to these events," Student Accessibility Services Director Larry Brunson said. "Students, parents, faculty, classified professionals, staff, and community members. There is something for everyone throughout the week."

Ability Awareness Week kicked off with "It Starts With You: Disability Rights and Awareness," presented by SBVC history Prof. Ed Gomez on Oct. 11. On Oct. 13, the Ability Awareness Fair will take place on the Campus Center Walkway, with resources, information, prizes, and food. The week will culminate with the Student Accessibility Services Ribbon-Cutting on Oct. 14. Earlier this year, Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) was renamed to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to better reflect its purpose on campus, and this ceremony honors the change.

This is a "historic event on our campus that needs the attention of all campus stakeholders," Brunson said. "There was a great deal of thought and intentionality put into this name change, creating an excellent opportunity for education and exposure when it comes to Student Accessibility Services."

SAS provides accommodations and services to SBVC students with a temporary or permanent disability resulting in an educational limitation. Brunson said it is important for everyone at SBVC "to be aware of the types of differing abilities that students may possess and how everyone plays a part in becoming more aware so that everyone is well informed." By changing its name, SAS is "aligning our practices with the district's mission and vision around diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism," Brunson added.

At SBVC, every student is welcome and encouraged to seek out the tools they need to be successful. The SAS team wants all Wolverines to know they are here to help, and are "so excited about our rebranding efforts and our goal this year is to be more visible on campus and at community events," Brunson said. "We want the campus community to know exactly who we are and all the great services and supports we provide."

By becoming SAS, the department will provide "more opportunities for more students to enroll in our program," Brunson said. "This year's Ability Awareness Week is particularly important because it is a celebration of not just a name change, but it provides an opportunity for the campus community to celebrate with our learn and grow in the process."

 

2022 Ability Awareness Week schedule:

October 12: National Disability Employment Awareness. WorkAbility III will share resources about employment opportunities. 10:30 a.m. to Noon, Library Viewing Room (Lib-149).

October 13: Ability Awareness Fair. Stop by and learn about community resources and campus information, with prizes and food available. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Campus Center Walkway.

October 14: Student Accessibility Services Ribbon-Cutting. Cake will be served at this event, celebrating the program's new name. 10 a.m. to noon, ADSS 105.