What: Third Annual Interdisciplinary Symposium: How UTEP Students’ Actions Improve Lives
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9
Where: UTEP Union Building East, third floor
The Third Annual Interdisciplinary Symposium at The University of Texas at El Paso will highlight research and outreach activities by UTEP students that have made a difference in the health and capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
This year’s theme, “How UTEP Students’ Actions Improve Lives: Highlighting Advancements in General Health Promotion and Service to the Disability Community,” will focus on activities by students from the University’s six colleges and the School of Nursing.
The conference, which takes place during UTEP’s Ability Awareness Week, aims to promote the understanding that illness and disability are universal and all professions have a role in promoting health and addressing the needs of people with disabilities.
“Disability and factors of health are natural components of life and as such have a link to nearly every academic discipline; a human connection in some way,” said Barbara A. Schoen, Ph.D., director of the Master of Rehabilitation Counseling Program and the symposium’s chair. “Finance, marketing, the arts, journalism, communication, laboratory science, education, public policy, anthropology, geology, biological sciences, natural sciences, nursing and health sciences all have a direct and fundamental connection to disability and health.”
Topics include advances in fields that promote health, outreach to people with disabilities, projects that reduce stigma and promote inclusion, and community connections and unique contributions.
The keynote speaker is David Zarazua, regional director of The Division of Blind Services for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, who will address “The Past, Present and Future of Service to Individuals with Disabilities.” Tony Martinez, CEO for ReadyOne Industries, LLC, will be honored for his company’s support of UTEP programs and commitment to hire individuals with disabilities. The UTEP Student Engagement and Leadership Center also will be recognized.
The conference also will feature information on graduate programs and career options.
The first 150 attendees will receive a gift bag and be entered into a raffle for additional prizes.
To see the agenda, visit http://chs.utep.edu/mrc/symposium/. For more information, contact Barbara Schoen at 915-747-7233 or baschoen@utep.edu.
This event and other activities that are part of Ability Awareness Week have received increased sponsorship by organizations including Amerigroup and Goodwill Industries. To stay up to date with all Ability Awareness Week activities and updates, please go to www.sa.utep.edu/CASS or contact the CASS office at 915-747-5148 or cass@utep.edu.