RICHARDSON, Texas (Oct. 25, 2005) — The McDermott Library at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), along with the university’s Disability Services Office and its nationally acclaimed Callier Center for Communication Disorders, is presenting a month-long series designed to raise public awareness about people with disabilities.

The series, which began this week and is titled “A Focus on dis/Ability,” includes several campus observances, complimentary hearing screenings, an equipment open house given by the library’s Accessibility Office and a special appearance by John Patrick Evans, a Washington state native who was born hearing impaired.

“The McDermott Library’s outreach goes beyond paper and electronic resources,” said Dr. Larry D. Sall, UTD’s dean of libraries. “In hosting this series, we hope to make a difference in the lives of those living with disabilities, both in the world in which they live and the people with whom they interact.”

The Callier Center will set up a screening room at the McDermott Library on Wednesday, Nov. 2 for complimentary hearing tests. Cynthia K. MacArthur, an audiologist/faculty associate at Callier, will supervise graduate students in the doctoral program of audiology as they conduct the screenings, which also are being supported by UTD’s Staff Council Wellness Program.

“We are very pleased that the McDermott Library and the Callier Center are assisting with this program,” said Kerry Tate, UTD’s disability services coordinator. “With their help, we hope to be able to educate our students and the public so they will have a better understanding of what it is like to have a disability, especially a communication disorder.”

The series will be highlighted by a presentation by Evans, who is the statewide administrator for corporate relations in the Washington State Department of Social Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. His presentation, titled “An American with dis/Ability” will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16 in the McDermott Library Auditorium (MC 2.410).

Evans, who was born deaf, is a nationally recognized trainer to private and public employers and consumer groups on the integration, hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. There will be a reception with refreshments in the McDermott Suite (4th floor) immediately following his presentation.

The McDermott Library also will feature a month-long visual exhibit about disabilities in its main lobby display case on the ground floor, and McDermott Library Reference Librarian Stephanie Isham will conduct an open house for visitors to see the special equipment in the library’s Accessibility Office from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 and Nov. 16.

All of the events are free and open to the public.

“A Focus on dis/Ability” Schedule

Oct. 19-Nov. 16– Disability Awareness Exhibition, Lobby Display Case, McDermott Library

Oct. 26 – Noon-2:30 p.m. – Disability Services Office Information Table, McDermott Library lobby

Nov. 2 – 1-4 p.m. – Complimentary Callier Center Hearing Screenings by professional audiologists, in library, Room MC 2.524

Nov. 9 – Noon-2:30 p.m. – Disability Services Office Information Table, McDermott Library lobby

Nov. 9 – 2-3 p.m. – McDermott Library Accessibility Office Equipment Open House, Room MC 2.516

Nov. 16 – 2-3 p.m. – McDermott Library Accessibility Office Equipment Open House, Room MC 2.516

Nov. 16 – 3-4:30 p.m. – “An American with dis/Ability,“ special presentation by John Evans, Counselor, Washington State Dept. Social Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in McDermott Library Auditorium (MC 2.410)

Nov. 16 – 4:30-6:30 p.m. – Reception for John Evans, concludes the series, McDermott Suite (MC 4.4)

About UTD

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls more than 14,500 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university’s website at www.utdallas.edu.