Chad Crittenden, a former “Survivor” contestant, amputee and tri-athlete, will be the keynote speaker for disAbility Awareness Day on April 15 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Ursa Major Suite of the Bronco Student Center (BSC). The theme of disAbility Awareness Day is “Perseverance.”
“Chad has an excellent story of perseverance that complements our theme perfectly,” says Carla Torrence, president of Access & disAbility Alliance. Torrence says Crittenden was chosen not only for being a “Survivor” contestant with a disability but also because of his life story.
Crittenden participated in a triathlon in 2002 only nine months after losing his right leg to synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. He competed in “Survivor: Vanuatu,” which aired on CBS in 2004. Crittenden, 41, also runs races representing The Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Sociology student Kim Fuentes hopes the event will help educate students about disabilities. “Being involved with disAbility Awareness Day is important to me because I am a big advocate for students with disabilities, and I have a learning disability as well,” says Fuentes, who is also the chair of the event committee. “I hope by being an advocate I can inspire other students with disabilities to get involved and make a difference.”
The Access & disAbility Alliance has planned four free events for students, faculty and staff:
“Could It Be Dyslexia?” workshop
10 to 11 a.m., Ursa Major, BSC
Chad Crittenden keynote address
Noon to 1 p.m., Ursa Major, BSC
Experience Disability Simulations workshop
1 to 2 p.m., Ursa Major, BSC
“Forrest Gump” movie night
7 to 9:30 p.m., Suites Multipurpose Room (behind Denny’s)
Refreshments will be served.
Those who wish to participate in disABILITY Awareness Day can register at
https://cpp-cfm.symplicity.com/events/2011AdA. The first 100 people to register will receive a free Subway box lunch.