From Nov. 7-11, WTAMU Student Disability Services is hosting Ability Awareness Week.

Director of Student Disability Services Montana Hisel-Cochran will be reaching out to students in classrooms to participate in activities and challenges, as well as open discussions.

“This is the third year of Ability Awareness and truly it is the idea that we’re looking at disabilities with a twist,” said Cochran.  “We have a series of activities to give students a feel of what it might be like to perform daily tasks in college with a disability.”Graduate Robin Seal, majoring in speech communication, has a better understanding of common disabilities.

“I’ve never personally had to deal with anything like that.  But after hearing stories, and witnessing problems, I understand their frustration,” said Seal.

Active students with minor or major disabilities say they appreciate Ability Awareness Week, because it helps inform others about existing conditions.  Sophomore Katie Robertson said being partially deaf does not affect her cheering ability for WT.

“It’s hard to hear when a cheer is called sometimes,” said Robertson.  “I always appreciate how aware and loud the squad is.”

Director Hisel-Cochran said many of the Ability Awareness Week activities will be the same as in years past, but WT faculty and staff could expect more opportunities for participation.

“We’ll have two trainings for faculty and staff from 2:30-4 p.m. on Nov. 8 and 9,” said Cochran.  “We will talk about what it means for a student to have a disability and explore how we can better assist their needs.”

Cochran invites everyone on Nov. 11 to visit the Student Disability Services open house from 2-4p.m.  She is also available to speak at any organization or classroom upon request.