Speeches, performances highlight Disability Awareness Week

The Associated Students Disability Outreach Center will hold a series of events on Western Washington University's Bellingham campus next week as part of the eighth annual Disability Awareness Week.

Disability 101 workshop, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 11, Academic Instructional Center West Room 305. James Fortney of the WWU Communication Studies Department and student and disability activist Kyan Oliver Furlong will co-facilitate a workshop with the Disability Outreach Center, addressing issues of ableist language, oppression and performance of disability. Free refreshments for attendees.

José Alaniz presentation, Noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, Communications Facility Room 229. University of Washington Disability Studies Program Director José Alaniz will speak about his recently published book, "Death, Disability and the Superhero: The Silver Age and Beyond."

Art therapy recreation, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, Viking Union Room 464. The Disability Outreach Center is partnering with BRAVE and Labyrinth to provide a space for students to come and use art materials to encourage therapeutic relief through art and journaling. Free journals and refreshments for attendees.

Out of the Ashes performance, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, Fraser Hall Room 4. Bellingham’s very own Out of the Ashes, a musical group made up of people with a wide range of disabilities, will be performing a set of their favorite tunes. Free pizza for attendees.

Clementine von Radics spoken performance, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 14, Old Main Theater. Pacific Northwest poet and author of "Mouthful of Forevers" Clementine von Radics will read her work and speak to her experience as a non-apparently disabled woman.