The Office of Disability Services is holding their annual Disability Awareness Week. The week will be from Feb. 21-24. Several events will be held throughout the week by Disability Services, along with the Student Government Association, the Office of Greek Life and the national academic honor society for students with disabilities in colleges, Delta Alpha Pi.

On Wednesday, Feb. 23, an awareness expo will be held in the Student Union Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The expo will have events such as the “Cupcake Challenge,” which aims to raise awareness on the challenges a student with disabilities faces each day. Also, the services and programs available to assist disabled students throughout their college career will be featured. Organizations interested in participating in the event can pick up registration forms at the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Union, Room 111.

Disability Services hopes that this will help students, faculty and staff become more aware about how they can become involved in helping disabled students in their own personal way.

“Students with disabilities are successful on our campus and in our classroom,” said Kay Maurin, director of Disability Services. “They work hard, they’re involved, and we’re all fortunate to have faculty, staff and other students who support their efforts. I feel lucky to work with such a great group of students and supportive faculty and staff members.”

Guest speaker Trish Downing will be present on Monday, Feb. 21 and will share her motivational speech titled “Reaching Your Own Finish Lines.” Downing’s keynote speech will focus on her experiences as a paraplegic athlete and how students can reach their own finish line.

“It’s applicable to anyone who is striving to accomplish a personal goal or their personal best in face of obstacles and challenges in their daily lives,” said Maurin.

Downing’s appearance is sponsored by the Office of Greek Life and will be held in the University Center at 6 p.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, Delta Alpha Pi, will hold a jambalaya sale in the Student Union Mall to benefit the awareness week. The money raised will go towards scholarships for students with disabilities. Delta Alpha Pi will also induct their new members and officers on Thursday, Feb. 24 in the Student Union, Room 223 at 5:30 p.m.

To find out more about Disability Awareness Week, contact the Office of Disability Services for more information, call 985-549-2247 or e-mail [email protected].