Students learn about living with a disability

Students BBQ at Disability Action Week event

Students and staff at USQ Springfield campus learned about living with a disability today through a Disability Action Week event hosted by the Cerebral Palsy League in partnership with USQ.

Event Coordinator Megan Axelsen said the day aimed to unite people with and without a disability.

'Disability touches the lives of most Queenslanders in some way, through the experiences we have with friends and family, at school, in the workplace and in the community,' Dr Axelsen said.

'Disability Action Week event’s, encourage communities to transform and grow and to become more welcoming and inclusive places for everyone.'

Dr Axelsen said staff and students were encouraged to take part in a number of sporting events to highlight some of the challenges faced and overcome by people living with a disability.

'Students and staff were able to participate in a wheel chair obstacle race and we had a basketball hoop shooting game while wearing vision impaired glasses,' Dr Axelsen said.

'Perhaps even more important was the BBQ lunch where students could meet and talk with people living with a disability.

'Through events such as these, barriers are broken down and tolerance is learned.'

Disability Action Week is a state wide public awareness week, running from 5 to 11 September and coordinated by the Department of Communities through Disability Services.

Activities across the state demonstrate the importance of changing attitudes and improving access for people with a disability.

Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096