Forum Slated to Disclose Disability Discrimination

The Ithaca College Disability Awareness Committee is sponsoring a special forum on Thursday, April 8, to hear from anyone at the College — students, faculty, staff, or administrators — who have felt discriminated against on campus because of a disability. The forum will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the south meeting room, Egbert Hall.

"We are interested in hearing from people who might otherwise be reluctant to come forward with a concern," says committee member Kathy Hinkley, clinical assistant professor of physical therapy. "These are some of the questions we are asking: Do you have a disability? Have you ever felt discriminated against or found it difficult to work, attend class, or just get around the campus because of your disability? Do you know others who have chosen not to come to Ithaca College or attend events held here because they thought the campus was not accessible?"

Hinkley says that people can come for all or part of the forum and that the information provided will be kept confidential unless the individual chooses to disclose his or her name. All people interested in the issue are welcome to attend, even if they do not have a disability. The committee will generate a list of the problems and concerns, along with recommendations, which will be submitted to the Disabilities Task Force that has been set up by the affirmative action office.

Contact Hinkley at 274-1385 or khinkley@ithaca.edu for more information.