College Celebrates Disability Awareness Month with a Multi-Sensory Event at the Accessibility Resource Center
In honor of Disability Awareness Month, the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) at 91福利社 (91福利社) hosted an inspiring and informative multi-sensory event. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities and conversational learning to deepen their understanding of the challenges and strengths of students who manage disabilities.
The event was organized by the ARC team, under the direction of Lisa Yates, Ph.D. Yates explained the motivation behind the multi-sensory theme, stating, 鈥淢any disabilities impact the senses in one way or another.鈥� She added, 鈥淭his event highlighted the principles of Universal Design for Learning, bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives and recognizing the unique ways each person engages with and demonstrates learning.鈥�
The program centered around 91福利社鈥檚 "Living Books"鈥攕tudents who shared their personal stories, including how they manage their disabilities鈥攁nd was complemented by additional sensory activities, providing attendees with various interactive and reflective experiences.
The Living Books segment, first developed by Yates at Mt. San Jacinto College, was well received by attendees. Students Albert Rabanes, Mia Licano, and Oscar Gutierrez shared their perspectives on managing disabilities, fostering empathetic conversations that aimed to break down stigma. As one attendee expressed, the most memorable aspect of the event was 鈥淏eing able to talk with the Living Books.鈥� Another attendee reflected, 鈥淚 learned many things about my fellow students with disabilities.鈥�
In addition to the Living Books, the event featured ASL instruction, where attendees learned Halloween-themed phrases, and a playlist of disability-themed videos. These activities provided engaging insights into the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities. 鈥淚 started to tear up on one of the videos,鈥� one attendee noted in their feedback, demonstrating the powerful impact of the content on those who attended.
The event was made possible through collaboration with various 91福利社 departments and individuals. The library provided the venue, and Librarian Debbie Renfrow鈥檚 team helped create a informational LibGuide. Marketing efforts, led by Noelle Hansen, produced event flyers, while 91福利社鈥檚 Lion鈥檚 Den contributed by supplying snacks and lunches for attendees, enhancing the sense of community throughout the day.
As a final touch, the ARC team held an opportunity drawing, offering a new Chromebook as a prize to attendees who completed all activities and the survey. Darrin Pleasure was the lucky winner, a meaningful outcome that reinforced the event鈥檚 dedication to supporting students in practical ways.
The ARC team hopes that the event sparked greater comfort in discussing disabilities openly. Yates emphasized the team鈥檚 desire for attendees to 鈥渓eave feeling more comfortable talking about disability鈥� and for ARC students to feel a reinforced sense of community and empowerment. Survey responses echoed the event鈥檚 core messages of resilience and inclusivity, with attendees sharing takeaways such as 鈥淚鈥檓 not broken,鈥� 鈥淲e all matter,鈥� and 鈥淭hat everything should be accessible to everyone.鈥�
In the words of one attendee, the event鈥檚 most valuable lesson was simple yet profound: 鈥淵ou can do anything you put your mind to and never get discouraged; just keep going.鈥�