Blazing Trails to Inclusion is an Applied learning Community Service event that took place throughout the month of October. The Disability Services Center partnered with the Nexus Center and the Viscardi Center to deliver the Disability Inclusion and Sensitivity Training workshops for both faculty and students. This event was extremely successful, with over 60 students and staff registered to attend the workshops. Each Blazing Trails workshop illuminated the importance of disability advocacy through making changes in our community, and on the Farmingdale State College campus.
One of the workshops included a viewing and discussion of the Netflix documentary, Crip Camp and prompted candid discussions regarding personal life experiences surrounding barriers to access and inclusion. Furthermore, students learned effective advocacy strategies and composed letters detailing some of the access and inclusion issues they have faced. In essence, students are hopeful that this initiative will be the catalyst to bring about meaningful changes to disability access and inclusive practices.
Outlined below are the descriptions of the provided workshops developed in celebration of disability rights:
- September 28, 2021: Disability Inclusion & Sensitivity Training Part I - An interactive presentation given by the Viscardi Center taught the fundamentals of disability etiquette, disability rights laws, accessibility best practices, and more.
- September 30, 2021: Disability Inclusion & Sensitivity Training Part II - A continuation of the Viscardi Center's initial training presentation aimed at preparing faculty and students to make a difference in the community.
- October 12, 2021: Crip Camp Discussion - A candid discussion about the movie and disability activism.
- October 19, 2021: Letter Writing Roundtable Discussion - How to compose a letter to advocate for people with disabilities.
