News Release

IWV Campus

Disability Workshop

October 14, 2009

October has been designated by Congress as Disability Awareness Month. Special Services and the ASCC (student government) of Cerro Coso Community College have partnered up to present Overcoming Obstacles, a day of special activities designed to build awareness of those in our community who face disability related obstacles every day. The Thursday, October 22 activities are free and open to the public. The events will take place in both the Student Center and Lecture Center.

Local service providers: DART, College Community Services, Kern Regional Center, American Cancer Society and the Cerro Coso College Disabled Student Program & Services will be present from 12:00-3:00 pm, sharing information regarding the services they provide our disabled students and citizens as well as career path information for those interested in further exploration.

Hope in Motion, a documentary featuring Christopher Reeve's tragic accident and subsequent courage as he sought healing, participated in ground-breaking research and reentered the entertainment industry will be shown at 3:00 pm. in the Student Center. At 5:00 pm., a panel of volunteers will share their experiences of either "trying on" a disability or dealing with a disability every day. College Counselor, Bianca Andersen, MS will be speaking on understanding and celebrating diversity and differences at 6:00 pm. The evening will end with a special showing of award winning movie, A Beautiful Mind beginning at 7:00 pm. in the Cerro Coso Lecture Center. Additionally, a challenge course open from 12:00-1:00 pm. and again from 3:00-4:00 pm. offers participants the opportunity to navigate common obstacles faced by disabled persons.

Do you offer services specific to individuals with disabilities? Would you like the opportunity to share your expertise with students of all ages as well as network with other providers? Please contact Bianca Andersen (banderse@cerrocoso.edu) or Kim Kelly (kikelly@cerrocoso.edu) to get involved in the Disability Workshop.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Clark, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230