By Tim Marren

Six student members from the Buffalo State College Council for Exceptional Children sponsored a “disABILITY” awareness week that began April 8 during Bengal Pause in the Campbell Student Union.

One focus of the week was the CEC promoting its “Call me a jerk. Just don’t call me…” campaign. A large board that featured words like slow, gay, dumb and retard were examples of what the CEC is trying to stress as words that should not be associated with people with disabilities.

“We want to emphasize ability and show that everyone has something about them that is unique,” said student Vice President Pam Szefler.

Noah Filk, a student at Buffalo State College, has Asperger syndrome, a developmental condition similar to autism Filk has a unique ability that most people do not. He can name all of the American presidents in order, something most people cannot do.

Filk is currently taking one class at BSC, medieval architecture, and said he loves it. He joined the CEC because it understood his disability.

“I wanted to have someone to explain my disability,” Filk said.

During the week the CEC offered exercises that simulate some common disabilities. One exercise has a participant read a passage of text as it would appear to a person with dyslexia. Another, a maze that has to be completed strictly with the reflection of the maze in a mirror, tests perception.

“We want to decrease the bad rap students with disabilities get and show that they are human beings,” said Edris Lederer, a student member.

Student CEC member Carol Shaw said that the program is great for students like her who are studying to teach and may have students in their classes when they begin their career.

“CEC provides an outlet for information so that when you work in an inclusive classroom environment you will know how to find the resources needed for a student with a disability who may be in your class,” Shaw said.

The program sponsors a number of professional speakers throughout the year and welcomes anyone from the BSC community. On April 21 Patrick Brennan will speak in Butler Library 210 at 7:30 p.m.

Links:
Exceptional Education Department Website