Viking Union Box 222
516 High St.
Bellingham, WA 98225

Students for Disability Awareness

What is a disability?

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act has a definition stating that impairments must fall under one of these three instances in order to be defined as a disability:

A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual;
A record of such an impairment; or
Being regarded as having such impairment.

The United Nations has a different definition of disability that states that it is a restriction as a result of an impairment or lack of ability to perform an activity within the range that is considered usual for a human being.

The more current version of the ADA, now called the ADA Amendment Act of 2008, which recently passed unanimously in Senate refines the definition of disability from once ADA term “substantially limits” now to mean “materially restricts” and other interpretations of “major life function” to, for example, “major bodily function,” and “being regarded as having such an impairment.” This is the current definition that SDA uses in all communications and evaluations at large.

Why was SDA created?

SDA was created by students with disabilities who felt that they, and the disability culture at large, were not being represented equally, and in some cases, accurately in associated activities.
Buildings on campus have proven to be inaccessible and provide barriers to students’ education.
To foster the breakdown in the stereotypes and stigmas that exist due to lack of education, misinformation, and misrepresentation in images and other mass media.

What does SDA do?

Students for Disability Awareness functions as part of a network of individuals and organizations that work to provide the following services:

Attempts to serve as the collective voice of students with disabilities at WWU.
Assesses the WWU campus for accessibility issues and works with the Equal Opportunity Office and DBTAC to diminish these issues.
Appeals to the WWU Administration relating to appropriate funding and staffing of the disability Recourses Center in Old Main 110 that aids over 400 WWU students with disabilities.
Coordinates activities and events that spreads awareness, understanding and fosters involvement in the disability rights movement and disability culture.
Works with the Sustainability Transportation and WTA to improve transportation on campus and places frequently visited by students with disabilities.
Provides resources in print and alternative formatting about the rights of people with disabilities, responsibilities of employers, teachers and others; assisting them in recognizing and understanding those rights and responsibilities.
Provides, (or directs the individual to another appropriate resource), about additional information that aids students, staff, and faculty in their day to day lives.

How is SDA funded?

SDA is primarily funded through the Associated Students which provides the organization with $50 basic funding each year and additional funding upon request (at the AS Activity Council’s discretion).

When co-sponsoring events with other programs SDA works mostly with related AS Resource and Outreach Programs Offices, the Equal Opportunities Office, and disAbility Resources for Students. Places such as University Dining, University Catering, and Residence Halls have all been generous with their time, services, and support of SDA

Any other money that is not spent for a co-sponsored program or granted from the Associated Students is raised from fundraising and donations.

Who is the Audience for SDA?

SDA is for absolutely everyone!!
But more specifically:

Students, faculty and staff who can utilize our services, resources and any others that they are aware of.
Students, faculty and staff who want to voice opinions, make complaints, and/or work towards a change.
Students and faculty without disabilities who want to learn more about disabilities, disability culture and disability related issues.

Why care about Disability Awareness?

Disability awareness is more than just telling people about events and/or educating people about disabilities. Through awareness and education of disabilities and disability culture, we work toward a culture that is inclusive of any and all people with disabilities. Disabilities are not always foreseeable and they affect each individual differently; so if we are aware of the diversity within the disability culture and strive to be knowable in the ways that can include people with disabilities in our society we work to ensure active participation of every individual in our community, regardless of disability.

How many people are involved with SDA?

SDA’s email list serve sends out emails to more than 330 students, faculty, and staff on campus.
The disAbility Resources for Students office sends out information to more than 400 students.
Over 25 offices on campus and programs have assisted SDA in reaching its goals and continues to provide much appreciated support.

How can I get involved with SDA?

Sign up for our mailing list to receive information about events and activities: www.wwusda.org
Volunteer your time for events and activities. Chances are if you want something to do, we’ll find great ways for you to get involved.
Have an idea for a program, event, and/or activity? Tell us! We want to hear from you!
Attend events and/or programs
If you have questions about disabilities or disability culture please don’t hesitate to ask via email or phone and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Be aware of your influence on political issues. Take a stance and write a letter to your representative or discuss issues with others and get your opinion heard.
Talk with your personal community: such as friends and family members and encourage them to become aware and educated also.
Challenge yourself to reshape some vocabulary you may use. For example try not using the phrase “That’s so retarded!”
Attend and get involved with Disability Awareness Week (DAW) in the Spring.

What is Disability Awareness Week?

Disability Awareness Week, or DAW is thus far the largest event that SDA provides.
It’s a 5 day long event that has many programs, events, activities, games and performances to attend and/or get involved with.
It typically happens in Spring.
It’s an amazingly fun way to get involved, learn, and educate; not to mention meet great people with and without disabilities.