New's Briefs
2008 ROMPP Art Exhibit
The 2008 Real Opportunities Make People Productive (ROMPP) art exhibit was open November 20 – December 26, 2007 at the West Virginia Cultural Center in Charleston, West Virginia. A reception sponsored by West Virginia Culture and History was held on November 25th.
This art exhibition, compiled from two juried shows, demonstrated the talents and abilities of local artists, as well as highlighted the human and civil rights issues individuals with disabilities face in society today.
When asked what they liked best about the CED Fine Arts Program, one participant said, “My self esteem, sense of self worth and social skills have improved. It made me feel proud to be a part of something like this.”
The show was dedicated in the memory of Ken Ervin who was an active advocate and whose dedication influenced many of the artists in the show.
The WV Culture and History purchased several pieces of artwork that will become part of the WV Culture and History permanent collection. For more information, e-mail Helen Panzironi at hpanzironi@hsc.wvu.edu.
CED Hosts International Visitors
WVATS provided a demonstration to the Korea Employment Promotion Agency for the Disabled Assistive Technology Center in the WVATS lab in Morgantown. The Korean agency was visiting the United States to attend the national Job Accommodation Network conference. The group selected WVATS for a visit after doing a web search on assistive technology and being impressed with WVATS services and publications. WVATS looks forward to continued interactions with this international group.
CED Hosts Workshop to Help Writers Get Published
“Getting Published: A Guide for Writers” Workshop provided poets and writers with information about the field of creative writing and steps that poets and writers can take to get their work published. Discussions topics included tips for improving your writing, steps for getting published, outlets for publication, and the deceptive practices of some publishing houses.
The presentation built on personal experiences of the speaker and attendees had the opportunity to participate in several creative writing exercises. The workshop presented by James Risk, a member of the West Virginia Poetry Society and published poet, took place in August 2007 at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities in Morgantown.
New Disability Course Offered at WVU
A new course, “Lifespan Disability Policy” (DISB 293/693) offered through West Virginia University's College of Human Resources, Department of Special Education began in the Fall 2007 semester. The course focuses on federal and state legislation and policies affecting individuals with disabilities and their families across the life span. The course was developed as part of the Maternal and Child Health/Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (MCH/LEND) grant and is required for MCH/LEND trainees.
Using a case-based, experiential approach the course uses web and classroom instruction to deliver course content. The course is also open to all WVU graduate and undergraduate students and is team taught by Diane Williams, MSW, Training Coordinator, and Jennifer Forester, MSW, MCH/LEND Clinic Coordinator and Assistant Director or the Klingberg Center for Child Development. For more information, call Diane Williams at 304-293-4692, ext. 1131 or e-mail her at awilliams@hsc.wvu.edu.
