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DePauw University hosts 'Taste of Technology' fair
In keeping with National Disability Awareness Month, Student Disability Services at DePauw University will host its second annual "Taste of Technology Fair" on Thursday, March 31 from 4-7 p.m. in the Memorial Student Union Building ballroom.
The university is hosting the event in conjunction with Terre Haute's Wabash Valley Center for Independent Living and Learning (WILL Center). A vendor and community support fair featuring snacks and door prizes will start at 4 p.m., with the keynote address beginning at 6 p.m. Catering will be provided by Kate's Bakery & Cafe.
The keynote speaker will be Kathy Nimmer, Indiana's 2015 Teacher of the Year, who is herself legally blind. She has been traveling all over the state and is expected to talk on the importance of education and inspiring teachers and students to follow their dreams. She teaches in English at Harrison High School in West Lafayette, and is the author of "Two Plus Four Equals One," which celebrates the partnership between the disabled and their faithful service dogs.
The event got its start last year when Pete Ciancone, director of WILL, suggested the idea of presenting assistive technologies in an open forum for the Wabash Valley area.
"We're an independent living center," Ciancone said. "What we try to do is keep people living independently. One of the services we provide (per federal regulation) is information and referral. These kinds of informational fairs that give people the chance to learn about the technology and meet some of the people they might work with are invaluable to consumers. It gives them the kinds of information they need to make informed choices."
Roberts, who has 30 years experience in special education, jumped at the idea.
"It was awesome," she said. "We had a lot of community members come in, a lot of positive feedback. So we said, 'Let's do it again.'"
This year, the team started planning early and expanded its focus to all of Putnam County and the surrounding area. They hope to bring in more faculty and students, as well as members of the community.
"It is a great chance to do something that I thought was exciting and helpful. And it is a good opportunity for DePauw to reach out. Assistive technology is so important at the college level. We have students who now can come and do well. We can level the playing field."
Roberts and her team are looking for 10 more local vendors to join their fair. There is no charge, but space is limited. Contact Pamela Roberts at pamelaroberts@depauw.edu or 658-6267. Some vendors already attending are SAWs (Servants at Work), the Putnam County Public Library and Indiana Easter Seals.
Donations are also welcome, and can be directed to Pete Ciancone at 812-240-6056.