Investing in Ability Week highlights contributions of the disabled

ANN ARBOR&#8212The University of Michigan will celebrate the achievements of people with disabilities with educational programs and events during Investing in Ability Week, Oct. 8-12.

Investing in Ability Week is coordinated by the Office of Equity and Diversity Services at the U-M Human Resources and Affirmative Action. The following events are free of charge and open to the public. They will all be accessible to persons with disabilities and staffed with sign language interpreters.

Monday, Oct. 8 – 8 p.m. – The Ark, 316 Main St.: performance artist Afi-Tiombe Kambon will perform her one-person readings and plays. Kambon, who is an amputee, tells stories that go beyond her experiences as a disabled person to address issues of cultural and gender identity.

Tuesday, Oct. 9 – 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Suite 18, Wolverine Tower: Handling Psychiatric Disabilities in the Workplace: Tips for Supervisors. Staff members from the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program will provide suggestions and resources to illustrate how to work effectively with employees who have psychiatric disabilities.

Wednesday, Oct. 10 – 10-11:30 a.m. – Yuri Kochiyama Lounge, South Quad: The Disability Rights Movement in Michigan. Lauren J. Thomas of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition will discuss the origins of disability rights in Michigan.

Thursday, Oct. 11 – 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Kuenzel Room, Michigan Union: Megan P. Norris, J.D., will discuss recent developments under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Norris has extensive expertise on employment and discrimination issues. She will explain how recent court decisions affect employees and students at U-M.

Friday, Oct. 12 – 10:30 a.m.-noon – Vandenberg Room, Michigan League: The James Neubacher Award and Council for Disability Concerns Appreciation Awards. The awards honor people who help or promote the acceptance of people with disabilities.

Sunday, Sept. 30-Friday, Oct. 12 – U-M Media Union Gallery: “Art with a View II” Exhibit, featuring the work of professional artists with disabilities, including Michigan residents. Sponsored by VSA Arts of Michigan.

Monday, Oct. 1 (opening reception at 4 p.m.)-Friday, Oct. 12 – Michigan Union Arts Lounge: “The History of Deafness at U-M” exhibit will feature photographs that explore the relationship between deafness and U-M. Hosted by the Hearing Impaired Students Organization.

“Documentaries and (dis)Abilities” Video Series: the following films will be shown at Angell Hall Auditorium B at 7:30 p.m.—Friday, Oct. 12: “King Gimp.” Directed by William A. Whiteford, 2000.

Investing In Ability Week is sponsored by the Council for Disability Concerns, the Department of Theatre and Drama, Dialogues on Diversity, the Institute for Research on Women and Gender, the Office of Equity and Diversity Services, the Office of the General Counsel, and Services for Students with Disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of Equity and Diversity Services at (734) 763-0235.