Students with disabilities advocates group seeks assitance

By Jennifer Palmberg
The Collegian

The Advocates for Students with Disabilities organization is reaching out to students in an attempt to strengthen the group. The ASD is a student- run organization that focuses on providing support for students with disabilities and providing an outlet for them to express their needs.

“The organization was established a while ago and then faded away. We’re working hard right now on recruitment to help strengthen it,” said Carrie England, the Director of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program.

The group meets once a month to discuss issues concerning:

•Distributing disability information
•Providing opportunities for students to meet, group solve, and support each other
•Encouraging self-improvment
•Developing a sense of civic responsibility and
•Making necessary changes on campus.

The group has already organized two events to be held on Oct. 19. The first is a morning balloon event called “Eyes Wide Shut” where there will be balloons anchored to the ground outside the Satellite Student Union.

“One balloon per registered disabled student attending Fresno State,” said England. “That’s not to say that there aren’t more students with disabilities, they just might not have wanted to be recognized as disabled.”

The second event is an afternoon presentation by motivational speaker Jesse Billauer in the Satellite Student Union. Billauer was a professional surfer when he had an accident that left him paralyzed. He decided not to let his disability hold him back and he continues to surf anyway.

“His speech is designed to let disabled students know that they can do things,” said England.

Anyone interested in joining ASD should contact Carrie England at 278- 0452 or [email protected].