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The first Disability Awareness Fair held Tuesday in the Quad was aimed to raise awareness among students and staff about services for the disabled, both on campus and in the surrounding community.”We’re trying to focus on physical and mental disabilities, as well as the invisible that you can’t see,” said Erica Liang, Associated Students vice president of student services. “It’s a sensitive subject to address, but we want people to understand that there is nothing to be ashamed about.”

Many groups had tables at the fair, including Ability First, the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, the Los Angeles Learning Disability Association and the Department of Rehabilitation.

“We wanted to raise awareness for people who don’t know what is offered to them,” said Delia Valenzuela, program supervisor for Ability First.

Disabled Students Programs and Services had a table where people could view some of the services offered, as well as try out some of the gadgets used to assist students with disabilities.

“We have scanners that can read print and translate it into audio, as well as machines to scan print and make it larger for people with vision impairments,” said Bianca Richards, a counselor with DSP&S. “It’s always good to see students and staff interacting and asking questions.”

Daphna Patel, president of Students Unlimited, a club on campus that promotes advocacy for disabled students, believes more events like this are needed on campus.

“We have to promote awareness because this is a subject that has to be talked about,” Patel said. “This is our first time and we want to make it even bigger next semester.”

Mark Sakata is a technology specialist for DSP&S, and also works with Students Unlimited.

“Some of [the club members] were really shy at the beginning of the year and now they are stepping up and taking an advocacy role,” said Sakata. “It’s good to see them engaging students.

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