COLUMBUS -- Ohio State University's Office for Disability Services is reaching out to the university community through a series of programs and workshops designed to foster a greater understanding of disability issues on campus and in society during Disability Awareness Month, April 4-28.

"Persons with disabilities are a significant part of diversity, and perhaps a most diverse population in itself in that it encompasses individuals of all races, nationalities, religions, genders and sexual orientations," said Ann Yurcisin, director of the Office for Disability Services. "Unfortunately, it is a population that anyone can join in a moment's notice because of illness, accident and or age."

More than 1,500 students with disabilities are enrolled Ohio State, and there are numerous faculty and staff members with disabilities as well, Yurcisin said. The programming being offered as part of Disability Awareness Month recognizes and celebrates all persons with disabilities and is open to all, she said.

The month's events include:

Residence Hall Presentations -- April 4 in Patterson Hall, 191 West 12th Avenue; April 11 in Halloran Hall, 23 Curl Drive; and April 13 in Stradley Hall, 138 West 11th Avenue. Presentations will focus on disability simulation exercises and techniques for assisting people with disabilities. All presentations begin at 8 p.m.

Disability Film Festival -- "Shine" -- 6 p.m., April 17, Room 150, Pomerene Hall.

"Passion Fish" -- 6 p.m., April 18, Room 150, Pomerene Hall.

"Girl Interrupted" -- 6 p.m., April 19, Room 150, Pomerene Hall.

"Frances" -- 6 p.m., April 20, Room 150, Pomerene Hall.

*A light dinner will be provided each night.

APRIL 6 -- College Day for High School Students With Learning Disabilities -- 9 a.m. to noon, Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St.

APRIL 7 -- College of Law ADA Symposium -- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., College of Law auditorium, Drinko Hall, 55 West 12th Avenue. Call 292-3442 for more information. Pre-registration is required.

APRIL 11 -- Personal Safety Workshop for Women With Disabilities -- 4-6 p.m., Room 150, Pomerene Hall, 1760 Neil Avenue. A combination of discussion and practical training in safety techniques will be led by staff members from the OSU Rape Education and Prevention Program. The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. For more information, call Leah Moreland at 292-3307.

APRIL 13 -- Career Services Workshop for Students With Disabilities -- 4:30 p.m., Room 150, Pomerene Hall. For more information, call Leah Moreland at 292-3307.

APRIL 14 -- Improving Parent Involvement With the Transition Process from School to Work -- noon to 1 p.m., Room 150, Pomerene Hall. Bring a sack lunch. Tom Fish, program director of the Nisonger Center, will be the speaker.

APRIL 21 -- Working with Students with Psychiatric Disabilities in the Classroom and in Advising Situations -- noon to 1 p.m., Room 150, Pomerene Hall. Faculty and staff members are invited to bring a lunch and learn how to work effectively with students with disabilities.

APRIL 27 -- Art Fair and Cookout -- 5-7 p.m., Room 150, Pomerene Hall. Food and beverages are provided.

-- Take Your Daughter to Work Day -- 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Room 150, Pomerene Hall. Participants will take part in disability simulations and discussion of careers working with persons with disabilities.

APRIL 28 -- Everything You Want to Ask About the Americans With Disabilities Act -- noon to 1 p.m., Room 150, Pomerene Hall. Bring a sack lunch. Scott Lissner, ADA coordinator, will be the speaker.

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