Play brings Athenians together for discussions about disability, youth, education and advocacy
The College of Family and Consumer Sciences has partnered with Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School, the UGA Center for Accessibility and Testing, the Institute on Human Development and Disability and Out of Hand Theater in Atlanta to bring together people from a variety of backgrounds to talk about complex issues like disability and education over a meal, fueled by theater.
On March 29, Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School will host a free breakfast for registered guests who will enjoy an original, one-person play that reflects the current lived-experience of a parent with a child with disabilities and their experiences related to public school education. Afterward, participants will engage in a guided discussion with trained facilitators to discuss their perspectives and experiences.
Registration is requested and can be found here: here: https://bit.ly/UGAEDatW329
The deadline to register is March 21. Attendees are asked to indicate access and accommodation requests, including American Sign Language interpreting needs, childcare and/or any dietary requirements on the invitation.
“We are very excited to bring together families, students, educators, administrators, local service providers and advocates from the local community to talk together about how best to support our community members with disabilities and their families during their school years and as they transition beyond secondary education," said Melissa Landers-Potts, interim assistant dean for academic programs in FACS. "Prior to writing the custom play that we will watch together, the playwright attended listening sessions with community members, educators and students. The hope is that the play that came out of this process and the meal and discussion that follow will spur conversation and collaboration in the community that will result in a more supportive environment for all.”
Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. and the event should conclude by 11 a.m. Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary is located at 1150 Oglethorpe Avenue in Athens. Participants should look for signage to find the entrance to the school cafeteria.
For questions about accommodation needs, contact Erin Benson at eew@uga.edu.
This press release was modified from a release submitted by Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School.