Colorado State University’s observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month wraps up on Oct. 26 with keynote speaker Jesse Saperstein. He will appear in the Lory Student Center Longs Peak Room at 6 p.m., discussing how to “Take another look at our disABILITIES.” The presentation is free and open to the entire community.
Saperstein is an author and speaker who became widely known after he conquered the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail in 8 months to benefit the Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation. Shortly after his hike ended, Saperstein was exposed to some of the cruel realities of living as an adult on the autism spectrum. He then decided to write a book, Atypical, that advocates for his peers and also gives perspective on his experiences as an adult living with Asperger’s.
Saperstein will lecture from 6 to 7 p.m., then sign copies of his latest book, Getting a Life with Asperger’s.
This event is presented by RamEvents, the Office of Equal Opportunity, the Assistive Technology Resource Center, the Center for Community Partnerships, and Resources for Disabled Students.
Other remaining events
A few more events are scheduled before Saperstein’s talk as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month on campus. All events are free and open to all faculty, staff and students.
Accommodations for Pregnancy and Employees with Disabilities
Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-noon, Lory Student Center Room 308-10
This presentation provides an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, and of the accommodation process at CSU, including definitions and terms. This presentation will also provide information on the recently passed Colorado House Bill 16-1438 (commonly referred to as the Colorado Pregnancy Accommodation Bill) relating to accommodations for pregnant employees and how it differs from ADA and ADAAA requirements. This event is presented by the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Disability Dialogues
Disability: At Halloween (Is Disability a Halloween Costume?)
Oct. 24, 4.-5 p.m., Lory Student Center Room 226-28
Disability Dialogues is a new program sponsored by Resources for Disabled Students with the purpose of providing an accessible and comfortable space to bring disability into the discourse of everyday activities.
Other Dialogues for the remainder of the semester:
Disability: Is it an Identity? (Nov.7, 4 p.m., LSC 226-28)
Disability: On Campus, What Students See and Experience (Nov. 28, 4 p.m., LSC 226-28)
Disability Awareness and Enhancing the Workforce through Inclusive Practice
Oct. 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Lory Student Center Room 308-10
More than one in five adults in the U.S. have a disability. While many are productive, capable employees or business owners, others are left behind and their talents go unrealized. This presentation will include simulated, experiential disability awareness activities and provide insight into how individuals, communities and businesses can best foster full inclusion for all people in the workforce to reinvigorate work environments to the benefit of all. This event is presented by Cynthia Tate, Center for Community Partnerships, and Anna Walker, Assistive Technology Resource Center.
