Disabilities Week at UC Berkeley (1)

Hoping to spread concepts about disabilities, education matters among students with disabilities in California, civil rights for the disabled, and legal affairs pertaining to disabled people, the University of California at Berkeley will host a weeklong series of events designed to increase awareness about these issues in the community and in the university grounds.

The UC Berkeley Disabilities Awareness Week (DAW) will run from March 8 through March 13.

The events will be held as follow:

Monday, March 8, 7 to 9 p.m.
Converging Minorities
MCC (Heller Lounge), MLK Student Union

The Bridges coalition at UC Berkeley will facilitate a one-hour discussion workshop to explore the unique position of people of color with disabilities in our educational system. Together we will address questions regarding discrimination, barriers, and resources to understand our current situation and work toward a better future.

Monday, March 8, 2010, Doors Open at 7:30 p.m. Show 8:15 p.m.
A Night of Comedy, with Greg Walloch
Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union

$7 Student, $12 General, tables of 9 available.Sponsored by The Disabled Students' Union, Queer Straight Alliance, and ASUC SUPERB

New York-based comedian Greg Walloch will be showcased for a night of community and comedy to kick off our full week of events. Greg Walloch, brings his hilarious act to the Pauley ballroom for a real comedy club performance, complete with round tables and a full cash bar.

Walloch has been described as "a hilariously self-mocking queer on crutches" by New York's Village Voice, and is world renowned for his stand-up comedy and monologues on disability and sexuality. More about Greg can be found at his website, www.gregwalloch.com. The show will be followed by an informal workshop on disability and sexuality, hosted by Walloch.

Half of all proceeds from this event will go to Whirlwind Wheelchair International, which is working to send 350 of their RoughRider wheelchairs to victims of the Haiti earthquake.

The RoughRider is specifically designed for people in developing nations, and has unique features that make navigating rough terrain possible. For those in Haiti, this is a necessity, as much of the country is covered in rubble. Additionally, many of those injured in the Jan. 12 earthquake now need wheelchairs, so sending as many as soon as possible is imperative.

Quality, durable wheelchairs are important for newly disabled people in Haiti, and Whirlwind is providing those chairs. For more information on Whirlwind Wheelchair International, visit www.wheelchairsforhaiti.org. The organizers are currently accepting full, and half-table reservations for groups wishing to attend this event.

This situation is perfect for student groups or other parties seeking to stay together during the show. Those interested in booking a table should contact Louise at dsu.ucb@gmail.com. Please include number of student and non-student tickets in your e-mail.

Tuesday, March 9, 7 to 9 p.m.
Sit-Ins and Bus Blockades: Protest methods and accomplishments of the Disability Rights Movement
Stephens Room, MLK Student Union

The Disability Rights Movement featured some of the most innovative and effective protests of the last half-century, from sit-ins to forceful blockades of public transportation. Attend for a presentation and panel discussion on the methods and accomplishments of this historic movement, featuring individuals that participated on the front lines.

Wednesday, March 10, noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2 to 3 p.m.
Guided Tours of James Castle: A Retrospective
Gallery 3, UC Berkeley Art Museum

Born deaf and raised in rural Idaho, James Castle was an artist of remarkable range, subtlety, and graphic skill. This retrospective is the first comprehensive museum exhibition of his drawings, books, and paper constructions. Join a UC Berkeley graduate student for an engaging and ASL-interpreted tour of this singular exhibition, which was voted among the "best of 2009" by Artforum. http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/exhibition/castle)

Wednesday, March 10, 7 to 9 p.m.
PTSD: Disability in Today's Society
Stephens Room, MLK Student Union

The Cal Veterans Group will be coming together in a speaker's panel to discuss the nature of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in today's society. Listen to Cal student veterans discuss their experiences, together with key speakers from the Veterans’ Association, and the medical research field. www.calveterans.org