TACOMA, Wash. – On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 11:30 a.m. Bates Technical College will celebrate Disability Awareness Day with a presentation from Paralympian Mark Wellman in the auditorium of the downtown campus, 1101 S. Yakima Ave.
Wellman, a nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker and motivational speaker, was paralyzed in a mountain climbing accident. He is a two-time Paralympian and former Yosemite Park Ranger. Wellman was the first paraplegic to ascend the park’s El Capitan and Half Dome and to sit-ski unassisted across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
Organizers of the celebration selected Wellman in an effort to recognize the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver, Canada. Ms. Wheelchair Washington, Jannette Sexton, will serve as emcee of the event.
“The annual Disability Awareness Day is designed to help people expand their understanding of the issues surrounding disabilities,” said Kathy Flores, diversity center coordinator. “It also increases awareness of the celebrations and the challenges individuals with disabilities experience.”
According to the 2005 U.S. Census, about one in five U.S. residents reported some level of disability. Locally, Bates Technical College's Disability Support Services office serves nearly 200 students annually.
Visit www.bates.ctc.edu/Diversity or call Kathy Flores at 253.680.7178 to learn more about this free community event.
About Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College is the state’s largest public technical college, offering certificate and degree opportunities in career education, distance learning, extended learning and apprenticeship training. For more information, go to www.bates.ctc.edu, or call 253.680.7000.
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