In acknowledgement of Disability Awareness Week (March 9-13), the North Campus of Community College of Allegheny County held an informational fair on Tuesday, March 10. The fair was sponsored by the CCAC Supportive Services Club.In addition to the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania information table, some of my exhibiting “neighbors” that day were ACHIEVA, Mercy Behavioral Health, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Learning Disabilities Association of America and Three Rivers Center for Independent Living – just to name a few.
Not only was it a nice break to be away from the office for a morning, but it was refreshing to meet the diverse student body of CCAC North. I enjoyed listening to some of the students’ personal concerns and triumphs, and share in the enthusiasm and anticipation that some of them feel as they are about to enter the field of human services. But mostly what I enjoyed was the gratifying feeling I had when the fair was over knowing that I was able to educate others who were otherwise unaware of the NAMI supports that are available and free to the public.
CCAC celebrates Disability Awareness Week every year in order to spread awareness and give insight to students and faculty members to the daily challenges that people living with various disabilities incur every day. I look forward to attending next year!
--Susan Harrington
Administrative Coordinator
