Disability Awareness Month, an annual observance by CUNY, takes place each April to give greater visibility to individuals with disabilities, challenge misconceptions, celebrate achievements, and advocate for policies and practices that support the rights of individuals with disabilities, such as equal access to employment, education and other services.
The Guttman community took every opportunity to observe this year’s theme of ACTION, ALLYSHIP and ADVOCACY with an array of activities that began on 4/1 with the official launch. Addressing those assembled, Abilities Club president and Accounting major Brad Lynch expressed his vision and his hopes for all who participated throughout the month. “Through these events organized by the Abilities Club and the Office of Accessibility (OAS),” he said, “I hope that Guttman students, faculty, and staff will recognize and adopt the value in acts of being kind and reciprocal towards all, open-minded to the trials and tribulations that others face, and inclusive of everyone despite initial assumptions or prejudices.”
On 4/2, the campus observed World Autism Day and on 4/10, OAS sponsored “DiverseAbility Through the Arts” in the campus Atrium. “We [wanted to] highlight how diverse abilities enrich the arts, foster inclusivity, and spark dialogue about making creative spaces more accessible,” said Luis Guttierez, assistant director.
With an ADA Jeopardy game on 4/22, “Changing the Narrative: Students with Disabilities” on 4/23, and a 4/24 “See For Me” movie matinee, OAS and the Abilities Club offered both information and greater insight to the campus community. For each of the April events, Brad Lynch’s goal is to underscore his belief: “Neurodiversity of any kind should be embraced with open arms because it’s the things that make us unique which make Guttman authentic. Disability is not a curse, but a blessing in disguise, and we should all stay true to ourselves.”
