October is Disability Awareness Month in Washington State

October is Disability Awareness Month in Washington State and nationally. In recognition of Disability Awareness Month, we take this opportunity to share two videos provided by Western’s disAbility Resources for Students office. The first video provides information for students about requesting quarterly disability accommodations via MyDRS. The second video demonstrates how students can request alternative text. Both videos can be viewed via the DRS website.

Nationally, Disability Employment Awareness Month is intended to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many contributions of employees who are people with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Campaign for Disability Employment provides may resources for employers about hiring and creating inclusive work environments for people with disabilities, including a “Who I AM” video and a video called “I Can,” tips about the importance of using language that puts people first, and a list of online job boards geared toward job seekers with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities. 

Equitable and inclusive treatment of Western’s staff, faculty and students with disabilities – including providing students and employees with reasonable accommodations -- is a fundamental part of our commitment to equal opportunity for all members of the university community.  We encourage you to join in recognizing Disability History Month by looking at the links above, and through discussions in your offices and classes.

Students with disabilities requesting accommodations should contact disAbility Resources for Students. Employees who would like to request accommodations should contact Julie Moon in Disability Services, Human Resources.  Students, employees and visitors to campus with concerns about access and accommodation matters are encouraged to contact Western’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator, Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, in the Equal Opportunity Office.