On Thursday, Oct. 21 at 11:00 a.m., Bates Technical College will celebrate Disability Awareness Day with a theatrical presentation from nationally acclaimed “Had to Be Productions” in the auditorium of the south campus at 2201 S. 78th.
“Into the Fire” is a poignant story of returning veterans with disabilities and combat related trauma transitioning back to their families, communities, educational institutions and the workforce. Two actors, one man and one woman, assume multiple roles with dialogue taken from interviews with veterans and their loved ones as they talked about their experience during and after the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
“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.