Joyce Wagner
In Motion Staff Writer
Joyce Wagner/In Motion
The courtyard on the main campus was filled with tables covered with brochures, leaflets, pens, candies, and other goodies for those who attended. The event included campus groups and community organizations.
Talented students from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, located in St. Augustine, FL, entertained the afternoon crowd with their OuttaSight Band and their Dance Troupe. Both groups perform throughout Florida on a regular basis.
Members of OuttaSight enthralled the audience with their vocal and musical talents. They belted out several contemporary songs, including “Follow Me,” that got people swaying and clapping along. The music was well received and enjoyed.
The FSDB Dance Troupe signed, lip-synced, and performed a bevy of delights. Various numbers included audience volunteers as props. The popular, “Say Something” was expressively signed, bringing out the emotions of the song. Another student signed and lip-synced “Dear No One” perfectly. A well-choreographed “Thriller” included the entire dance ensemble. For the final song, troupe members sought out dance partners from the crowd. The group received applause and “jazz hands” for their performance.
Groups that had booths set up included DSC’s Student Occupational Therapy Assistant Association which provided the opportunity to complete everyday tasks, normally taken for granted, but imposed limitations on their ability to do so as easily as they are used to. These games gave insight into how people with life-altering conditions adapt and persevere.
Numerous community organizations were on hand to educate about their programs. Many displayed adaptive devices used to assist with users in daily activities.
Vision impairment and blindness were the focus of several groups, including: Conklin Center for the Blind, Division of Blind Services, Halifax Council of the Blind, National Federation of the Blind, and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Attendees had a chance to try their skills at walking, bowling and playing basketball while wearing a blindfold. This emphasized how dependent people are on their sight for everyday tasks.
Military members, past and present, were able to get valuable information about PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and other issues service men and women experience. Included in the veterans services represented was DSC’s Veterans Center.
Lions Diabetes Awareness Foundation offered free glucose screenings. Retired nurse, Norma Callahan asked, “How long has it been since you’ve eaten anything and what was it?” as she looked over the information handed to her by each person as they sat down. The blood test results are influenced by recent eating. Those with results outside of normal parameters were recommended to follow-up with their own physician. Brochures regarding diet and life style for those with diabetes were available.
A few organizations were there with the focus on helping people with varying degrees of disabilities become gainfully employed. The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Work Oriented Rehabilitation Center and The Arc each assist their clients in achieving necessary skills toward career goals, through education and training. When asked if The Arc and WORC are similar, Julie Bluel, with The Arc, said, “We have different companies that we do work for. Both agencies help people who have disabilities learn vocational skills. We have from profound, all the way up to higher functioning clients.”
The educational and insightful event helped bring better understanding and tolerance for those who are different from ourselves.