"Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit" coming to UO campus

An interactive, traveling exhibit designed to raise awareness and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities is being brought to the University of Oregon by the Division of Student Affairs.

"Allies for Inclusion: Ability Exhibit" was created at St. Louis University. Those who explore the exhibit will learn about the disability movement, universal design, silent or hidden disabilities and more.

“Last Spring, in collaboration with VP for Student Affairs Dr. Robin Holmes and Dean of Students Dr. Paul Shang, I began laying the groundwork for the exhibit to visit campus with the hope that it can help to raise the collective awareness of the entire campus community," said Antonia DeMichiel, the 2012-13 ASUO Accessibility Advocate. "The Ability Exhibit felt like an ideal fit because the displays and activities reach across the disability spectrum, which helps show the range of disabilities from mental health issues to learning differences to physical challenges. As a recent alum of the university, it's really gratifying to see this program become a reality.”

The "Allies for Inclusion: Ability Exhibit" will be on display in the EMU Taylor Lounge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 23, 24, and 25. Campus and community members are encouraged to participate.

“Disability education, as envisioned here (in the Ability Exhibit), creates a respectful, welcoming environment and relies on allies to support and advocate for the social justice of persons with disabilities," said Karen Myers, the exhibit facilitator at St. Louis University. "A new vision for disability education that moves away from a limitations model and toward humanizing disabilities is crucial for campus communities.”

- from the UO Division of Student Affairs