The U-M Council for Disability Concerns’ annual Investing in Ability series begins Oct. 24. This year the event features presentations focusing on “maximizing your potential throughout life,” organizers say.
“As we all age, there is a greater likelihood that we will each face challenges brought on by disabilities,” says Anna Ercoli Schnitzer, liaison/disabilities librarian, Taubman Health Sciences Library. Schnitzer has been a member of the Council for Disability Concerns for 13 years and chair of the Neubacher Award Committee for the past six years.
“Our intention in highlighting disability issues is to stress the positive — what individuals can do, rather than what they cannot do. And by supporting accessibility for all makes our campus community a much more welcoming and friendly environment for everyone,” she says.
Investing in Ability Week sessions include numerous speakers, an Army/Navy wheelchair basketball game, and several chances to interact with service, assistance and therapy dogs. The week also features presentation of the James T. Neubacher Award and Certificates of Appreciation, which will take place 10 a.m. Oct. 28 at Rackham Building, Assembly Hall fourth floor.
“This event is an important statement of the university’s commitment to diversity by building and sustaining a welcoming and supporting community for all,” says Laurita Thomas, associate vice president for human resources.
Investing in Ability is held in collaboration with University Human Resources, the U-M Health System and the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, with support from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business. All activities are held in accessible locations. They also are free of charge and open to all members of the university community and the public.
Events include:
• “The Human Animal Bond,” a conversation with Kris Siefert, Edith S. Gomberg Collegiate Professor of Social Work, 2-3 p.m. Oct. 25, Graduate Library, Gallery Room 100
• Keynote Presentation: “Maximizing Your Ability Throughout Life” with Chris Peterson, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor and professor of psychology, 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 25, Ross School, Room 1220
• “Maximizing Your Ability Throughout Life by Staying Active,” 7-8 p.m. Oct. 27, Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave.
• “Maximizing Your Ability in the Workplace Workshop” with inspirational speaker Craig McFarlane, 8 a.m.-noon Nov. 1
• Army/Navy Wheelchair Basketball, 1 p.m. Nov. 12, Saline High School Gymnasium, 1300 Campus Parkway, Saline
More information about featured events, speakers and panels, and a downloadable event flier are available at ability.umich.edu/iaw.
