UAA Disability Awareness Fair, Oct. 5 and 6

Oct. 5 and 6, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Student Union

The Disability Awareness Fair will celebrate 25 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as promote disability awareness among students, faculty and staff at UAA. The fair will feature about 25 departments, agencies and vendors. Representatives from each will be available to talk about the services offered and answer any questions. The ADA/Disability History exhibit will also be on display in the Student Union during the fair.

Some background on the event from Karen Andrews, director of UAA Disability Support Services: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). During the past 25 years, institutions of higher learning, faculty, staff and students have encountered many challenges and celebrated many victories in providing equal opportunities for success to those who experience disabilities. The mission of ADA is to advance opportunities for equal access and to remove barriers and empower people. And that mission is still alive and still strong at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). We are committed to the mission of ADA and to meeting the needs of this uniquely diverse student population.

Disability awareness is an instrumental step in serving students who experience disabilities. Awareness that ADA exists and awareness of the services available at UAA and in the community is a vital first step for students to complete their educational goals. Disability Support Services at UAA is responsible for promoting the mission and for coordinating the services and accommodations that are integral components to equal opportunity in the challenging post-secondary environment. But we cannot serve students if they do not know that ADA exists and that we are here to help.

Disability Support Services cannot do it alone. Please join us at the fair so you can experience the possibilities that exist.

October Archive