Student Committee on Disabilities sponsors disabilities series of five March events

Feb. 27, 2009

I.   Tuesday, March 3
     6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Pollack Auditorium, next to the Rose
     Valerie Leiter, Brandeis ’01 PhD, “Youth with Disabilities Entering Adulthood”

Assoc. Professor of Sociology at Simmons College and Director, Society and Health Program, Leiter is currently conducting a five-year research project, funded by the William T. Grant Foundation, on the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities.

II.  Wednesday, March 11
      6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Pollack Auditorium, next to the Rose
      David A. Ticchi, EdD

Dr. Ticchi supervises a School-to-Career program at Newton North High School, teaches a Disability Awareness seminar for managers at Legal Sea Foods Corp., and chairs the company’s Ethics Program. Ticchi is recognized as an expert on the social and professional treatment of persons with disabilities.

III.  Monday, March 16
        6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Pollack Auditorium, next to the Rose
        Bonnie Gracer, ‘87

Gracer, who is hard of hearing, studied social work and Judaic Studies, earned a black belt in karate, and serves as Rehabilitation Program Specialist at the DOE. She worked in conjunction with FEMA to produce a guide for how to evacuate people with disabilities during emergencies. Gracer echoes Irv Zola’s message that persons with disabilities should not have to be “superhuman,” (i.e., do amazing things despite disability) to be recognized.

IV.  Thursday, March 19
       6 – 8 p.m., Pollack Auditorium, next to the Rose
       “Murderball” film showing

V.  Sunday, March 22
     4:30 p.m.  Panel of Brandeis students with disabilities, Rapaporte Treasure Hall
     5:45 p.m.  Dinner provided, Shapiro Campus Center Multipurpose Room
     7:00 p.m. “Darius Goes West” with “Darius” film crew, Rapaporte Treasure Hall