Purdue News

October 4, 2002 Disability Employment Awareness Month under way at Purdue WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University Affirmative Action Office is sponsoring a series of programs in conjunction with October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month. On Friday (10/11) the documentary video "Look Who's Laughing" will explore the lives, experiences and humor of six working comedians who have various disabilities. The video is scheduled from 12:15-1 p.m. in Beering Hall, Room 1284. On Tuesday, Oct. 15, the 2003 Distance Learning Series begins with a discussion of the guidelines issued in September that address access for those with disabilities to a variety of recreation facilities. "Access to Recreation: Overview of the Newly Released Recreation Facility Access Guidelines" will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 214A. On Monday, Oct. 21, an issues and ideas roundtable discussion will be conducted from 3-4 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 204. The discussion of disability accommodations, accessibility, services and needs at Purdue is open to the entire university community. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, an update on the Americans with Disabilities Act Title I, which covers disabilities and employment, will take place from 2-3 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 320. The program will review the 2001 U.S. Supreme Court term decisions on disability cases and how those decisions may affect employment of people with disabilities. Participants also will explore what lies ahead on disability employment issues. The Affirmative Action Office also is calling for nominations for the 2003 Focus Awards, which will be presented Wednesday, March 5, at the annual Disability Awareness Reception. The awards will honor individuals affiliated with Purdue who have made contributions to furthering the university's commitment to disability accessibility and diversity. Nomination forms are available at the Affirmative Action Office and will be accepted through Dec. 2. Individuals requiring accommodation for the programs should contact the Affirmative Action Office in advance at (765) 494-7253 or (765) 496-1343 (text telephone for the deaf, hard of hearing and speech impaired) or contact Bonne L. Shoaf at blshoaf@purdue.edu. CONTACT: Gina Kerr, assistant director, compliance and disabilities services, (765) 494-7253, gkerr@purdue.edu. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page