By Rebecca A. Doyle
Investing in Ability Week will be celebrated at the University Oct. 3–8 with a number of events that encourage a focus on what people can do rather than on disabilities they might have.
Bill Demby will launch the celebra-tory week with a talk about his experiences in rehabilitation and how sports competition helped his recovery. In 1984, he was one of the original testers of the Seattle Foot. The then-new prosthesis was designed to store and release energy in the same manner as muscles, allowing Demby to once again play basketball standing up.
In 1971, Demby lost both legs from the knee down while serving in the Vietnam War. Today he is a ski instructor for the National Handicapped Sports and Recreation Association; holds the national amputee record in shot put, discus and javelin throws; and travels widely to tell people that a major disability does not mean the end of the line in athletics—or most other activities.
Demby will speak at 3 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Michigan Union Ballroom. His talk is sponsored by the Affirmative Action Office, the School of Art, Housing Special Programs, the Department of Kinesiology, Kresge Training Program in Hearing and Chemical Senses, Minority Student Services and Services for Students with Disabilities.
Other events scheduled for the week:
Oct. 4, “People with Disabilities: Information from Insiders,” 3–4:30 p.m., Pond Rooms A & B, Michigan Union. A panel of Ann Arbor residents who have disabilities will tell what it is really like to live and work in our community. The informal session will provide an opportunity to ask questions and increase understanding of those with disabilities. Sponsored by the Affirmative Action Office and the Council for Disability Concerns.
Oct. 5, Council for Disability Concerns Annual Meeting, 10 a.m., Regents Room, Fleming Administration Building.
11 a.m., Neubacher Award presentation, Regents Room, Fleming Administration Building. The 1994 James Neubacher Award will be presented to
Theodore M. Cole, professor and chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation, by Provost Gilbert R. Whitaker Jr.
Oct. 7, Study, Work and Travel Abroad for Students with Disabilities, 10 a.m., Room 9, International Center. A discussion of resources available to students with disabilities who want to travel abroad as part of their educational experience. Sponsored by the International Center and Services for Students with Disabilities.
Oct. 14, Diversability Theatre, a one-hour performance followed by discussion with the audience, 7 p.m., Kuenzel Room, Michigan Union. Sponsored
by the Affirmative Action Office and SUPPORT, a student organization in the School of Education.
Oct. 20, Interviewing Skills Workshop, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. A program provided by the National Center for Disability Services focuses on mock interview situations for students with disabilities. To pre-register, call Services for Students with Disabilities, 763-3000.
