
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 1, 1991                   TAG: 9103010506
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-10   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND/ NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

FAIR FOR DISABLED SEEKS EXHIBITORS

College and graduate school are important for getting ahead in today's competitive world, yet handicapped people still find it difficult to further their education and enjoy greater independence.

In education, "the situation has very much improved, but there is still a lot of resistance in general to accept those with disabilities," said Alice Anderson, a coordinator with the Southwest Virginia Transition Center, which helps disabled people get into higher education.

To help improve public awareness, the center is sponsoring "Rising Expectations," 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 9 at the LancerLot Sports Complex in Vinton. The program will promote awareness of services, educational programs and technology that can aid a disabled individual's independence.

"We want to especially make their transition easier into college," said Jack Wade, program coordinator with the center, which has offices at Virginia Tech and New River Community College. The center is placing special emphasis on college preparation for those with learning disabilities.

"One of our biggest tasks is to pursue the education of college faculty," Anderson said. "They need to realize that not everyone learns alike; you have to teach people the way they learn."

The May 9 activities include a performance by Kids on the Block, a non-profit group that educates about handicaps by using puppets. There also will be a wheelchair sports demonstration.

Organizers hope to attract families, community officials, business representatives, advocates and professionals.

The transition center provides technical help and works with local agencies so youths with disabilities can move smoothly from high school to work, community life or more schooling, as they choose. It also provides workshops for school divisions.

To reserve exhibit space for the event or to place advertising, persons and businesses must register by today by calling the transition center at 674-3600, ext. 358, at NRCC or at Virginia Tech at 231-8229.

by CNB