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October 7, 2003

OCT. 13 PROCLAIMED DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY AT UWF

From: Pensacola Gulf Herald, FL - Oct 7, 2003

Jamie Woodard, UWF

PENSACOLA - In commemoration of National Disability Awareness Month, the University of West Florida has proclaimed Oct. 13 as Disability Awareness Day, which will be honored in a series of events at the university.

“We have more than two million people with disabilities in Florida, and more than 53 million people nationwide,” said UWF President John Cavanaugh. “It is important for each of us to recognize the many contributions they make to society and to reflect on the experiences of those individuals with disabilities.”

Cavanaugh issued a formal proclamation designating Oct. 13 as Disability Awareness Day. The day will include some faculty and staff members experiencing life as a person with a physical disability. A roundtable discussion will be held where students, faculty and staff will discuss disability programs at UWF. And, Students with Alternative Needs, a campus organization, will host an ice cream social.

Also, Students with Alternative Needs and the UWF Americans with Disabilities Act Office in conjunction with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services of Northwest Florida will host a town hall meeting Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the University Commons Auditorium, Bldg. 22. State leaders of the Florida Deaf Association will discuss matters relating to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing at the event.

“UWF always has made its best effort to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities,” said Cavanaugh. “I hope all of us use this month to examine what more we can do so that everyone associated with UWF has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

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