Disability Awareness Day is March 16 at Memorial Union

The campus community is invited to attend and participate in Disability Awareness Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, March 16, at the Memorial Union Ballroom.

Disability Awareness Day at UND is an annual, all-day campus event that brings together students, faculty, staff, community partners and disability advocates to raise awareness about disability, accessibility, and related research, policy, and practice.

The day begins with student poster presentations from 9 to 11:30 a.m., showcasing interdisciplinary work related to disability from perspectives of lived experience, research, policy, advocacy and practice.

From noon to 1:15 p.m., the event features a keynote presentation by Chris Ruden, an amputee, Type 1 diabetic, record-holding powerlifter, keynote speaker and disabled model featured on The Rock’s hit television show “Titan Games.”

After experiencing stigma, mental health challenges and barriers associated with disability, Ruden transformed these obstacles into opportunities. Through his bionic arm, diabetes technology and the message of “creating your world without limits,” he shares powerful insights on resilience, identity and redefining possibility.

The afternoon continues from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with community partners and campus organizations providing opportunities to learn about resources, services and initiatives that support access, equity and participation across the UND community and beyond.

Disability Awareness Day is designed to educate the UND community, foster meaningful dialogue and build connections among students, faculty, staff and community partners around disability and accessibility.

Lunch will be provided.

Questions can be sent to Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, clinical assistant professor and program director or UND Rehabilitation and Human Services, at leeann.williams@UND.edu or 701.777.4259.