GVSU's Organization for the Advancement of Disabled Students is hosting "Awareness Expo: A New Perspective." The purpose of the event is to raise awareness that no matter what a person's abilities or disabilities are, they can accomplish many great feats in their lives.
The Expo will be in the GVSU Fieldhouse on the Allendale Campus, Friday, October 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m. A fully accessible concert featuring Three Men and a Tenor will begin at 9 p.m.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with a press conference in the Fieldhouse main lobby. Speakers include Dan Vivian, chair of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns and GVSU Vice President of Diversity and Planning Patricia Oldt. Laura Kennett from GVSU's Campus Recreation will be available to demonstrate some of GVSU's adaptive workout equipment in the Wellness Center.
From 4:30-8:30 p.m., more than 20 exhibitors from around the Midwest will feature products and services that help people with disabilities lead productive lives. Visitors can see demonstrations of adaptive vehicles, service animals, and learn sign language. Grand Valley State University offices will highlight special equipment and services they provide to help students succeed in their academic pursuits. Exhibitors include: Paws with a Cause, Freedom Motors USA, The Rapid, Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services, Ottawa County Clerk's Office, and the Statewide Independent Living Council.
The expo will be followed by the Three Men and a Tenor concert in the Fieldhouse Arena at 9 p.m. The expo and concert are free to GVSU students, faculty, staff and their families. The events are also fully accessible, meaning they are designed to be enjoyed by people regardless of their abilities. Three Men and a Tenor supports the cause of disability awareness and the performers worked with OADS to make the concert accessible. Seating near the stage will be provided upon request for all participants with disabilities. A sign language interpreter will accompany the group, and the interpretation will be projected on a jumbo screen next to the stage while the group performs.
Tickets for the concert are available at the 2020 Information Desk in Allendale and at Pew Campus Student Services in Grand Rapids. Students/faculty/staff with GVSU ID may have up to six free tickets for themselves and their families. The Awareness Expo and Concert is one of several events in conjunction with Family Weekend. For more information, visit http://www.gvsu.edu/familyweekend
