Attend CSUDH’s New Ability Ally Training on Oct. 9

By: Yeymy Garcia, Managing Editor

“This represents diversity in its purest form.”

That is what Adam Kasarda, director of the Student disAbility Resource Center, said earlier this year when presenting CSUDH’s third Ability Ally Training. If you missed out, you’re in luck as they are having another training on Oct. 9, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Light refreshments will be provided and participants will sign an “ability ally pledge” and receive an ability ally placard to show they completed the training. 

In March, the training was hosted by Adam Kasarda and AIM/Disability Management Specialist, Mace Fuataina Mikaele. They gave participants insight on how disability is desensitized in everyday life, set up different scenarios that allowed them to share personal experiences and ask personal questions without fear of being judged, and an activity involving building blocks.

 “One of our hopes is that students will walk away from the training with a different perspective and focus on disability,” said Mikaele. “We provide an environment to discuss disability in a non-judging and safe space.” 

Here are some comments from past participants on what they liked best about the training provided by Mikaele: 

“It felt like we were having a conversation amongst friends which made the experience even better.”

“The presenter’s energy, they made it really fun and educational”

“The interactive dialogue. The safe space to learn. Using examples and scenarios.”

“I liked best that actual examples were given.”

Limited seats are available so please RSVP as soon as possible here. If you are unable to attend, SdRC will host another training on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019 in honor of Disability Awareness Month. 
For more information, you can contact Mikaele at mmikaele@csudh.edu. SdRC is located in Welch Hall, D-180.