On top of tests, projects and homework, students with disabilities face more challenges to succeed at school than most students. One day per year, these students are commemorated for their hard work and ability to work past their disabilities.
Joe Douglas
– Editor-in-Chief –
On top of tests, projects and homework, students with disabilities face more challenges to succeed at school than most students. One day per year, these students are commemorated for their hard work and ability to work past their disabilities.
- Board Member for the Student Veterans of America Brian Hawthorne will speak to students this month. | SUMBITTED PHOTO
The Access Office, Focus on Ability Club and Veterans Club will host STLCC-Meramec’s 19th annual Disability Awareness Day on April 29. This event will recognize the academic achievements of students who use the Access Office and its resources.
“It’s really exciting actually. It’s something new. We don’t just have a club having their speaker. You have two clubs and access working together, hosting this Disability Awareness Day event.
At 10 a.m., keynote speaker and veteran Brian Hawthorne will speak to Meramec students, faculty and staff about the special needs of veterans returning to school and how veterans can enhance the educational experience for all students.
Hawthorne is a board member for Student Veterans of America and co-founder of the GW Veterans Organization at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
An award ceremony will follow the speech. Students who have a 3.0 GPA or higher and use the Access Office services will be awarded for their academic achievement.
Students who have demonstrated achievement, effort and have overcome obstacles have been nominated by faculty and will also be awarded by them during the awards ceremony.
“This is one of the biggest things for us because we want to have awareness and show support for people who have a disability,” Emilie Burke, president of the Focus on Ability Club, said.
The Meramec Access Office hosted the first Disability Awareness Day 19 years ago. Amy Bird, advisor for the Focus on Ability Club who works in the Access Office, said the Focus on Ability Club is the result of previous Disability Awareness Days.
This is the first Disability Awareness Day where the Focus on Ability Club teamed up with another club on campus.
“It’s a really good idea to have two clubs team together for Disability Awareness Day. It should happen more often,” Burke said.
Admission to the event is free.
