A&M International Hosts Info Fair for Disabled High School Students Oct. 13

Texas A&M International University will host a free Information Fair for high school students with disabilities on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library (room 319).

The information fair, titled "Windows to the Future," will feature participation from local and state agencies that can help disabled high school graduates find employment or continue their education.

Event organizer Debra K. Russell, Coordinator of Disabled Student Services at A&M International, said the Information Fair will give students an orientation of what is available to them after they leave school.

"There are a number of agencies that can help disabled individuals access rehabilitation services, find employment, secure independent living, or attain a degree. This Fair will help ensure that students know about these services," explained Russell.

Among the agencies to be represented at the fair are Advocacy, Inc.; BEST (Bringing Everyone Special Together); City of Laredo Health Department; City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department; Coastal Bend Legal Services; El Aguila Rural Transportation; El Metro Lift; Gateway Community Health Center; Laredo Community College Essential Learning Systems Lab; LCC Special Populations Office; Laredo Housing Authority; Laredo State Center; Mi Tierra; Social Security Administration; South Texas Workforce Commission; Texas Commission for the Blind; Texas Department of Health; Texas Department of Human Services; Texas Rehabilitation Commission; Texas Workforce Center; Time Bank; Tri-County Transition Coalition; and Texas A&M International University.

A&M International has long recognized the importance of helping disabled students to attain their educational goals. The University's commitment to help all students can be seen at all levels, from the creation of the Office of Disabled Student Services to the architectural design of the campus, which features curbless crossways, power-assisted doors, and accessible elevators, public telephones, water fountains, service areas, and restroom facilities.

Services provided by the University's Office for Disabled Students include notetakers, tape recorders, recorded textbooks on tape, close-captioned televisions, computers for learning disabled or visually impaired students, TTY telephones, counseling, testing accommodations, registration assistance, and liaison help with state agencies.

The Office of Disabled Student Services also recognizes two University faculty members each semester who have exhibited outstanding work helping disabled A&M International students. A brief award presentation will be held at the opening of the Information Fair to recognize the latest recipients of the award.

For more information on the Information Fair for disabled high school students, please contact Russell at 326-2230 or visit the Office for Disabled Student Services located in Canseco Hall room 312. Their office hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu