Graduate Students Coordinate Successful Disability Awareness Program

Two Masters of Student Affairs students, Justin Lozano and Nicole Chapman, lead a partnership between several departments to host an outstanding disability awareness program.  Through the leadership of Lozano and Chapman, the Student Activities Council (SAC) and Disability Services hosted Matt Glowacki’s “Disabilities in the Media:  Diversity according to Family Guy and South Park." 

Glowacki discussed how these television programs break down stereotypical attitudes and behavior regarding people’s differences.  Glowacki showed clips of the shows and discussed how disability is a part of diversity.  He educated the audience through these popular cultural icons and encouraged us to perceive disability and diversity differently.  It was a very successful program that drew an audience of approximately 200 people.

In consideration of the Public Affairs Mission, invited guests included members from Creating Amazing Transitions (CAT), which is a program of the Southwest Center for Independent  Living.  CAT members are youth with disabilities who are getting ready to transition from high school to employment or college.  Several of these young prospective Missouri State students attended the event and had the opportunity to experience college life for the evening and meet Matt Glowacki in person.  For many, it was an evening of exhibiting disability pride.

Matt Glowacki runs his own business, works as a professional speaker, and was also a team member for the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Sit-Volleyball Teams.

 Submitted by Katheryne Staeger-Wilson