CUNY SPS Holds First Disability and Employment Event

In recognition of National Disability Empowerment Awareness Month, the CUNY School of Professional Studies’ Abilities and Resources Committee held its inaugural event titled Disability and Employment in the 21^st Century on Thursday, October 4 at 6:00 pm.

Throughout the evening, aspects of self-advocacy and professionalism within the disability community were discussed by an esteemed panel comprising Dr. Christopher Rosa, interim vice chancellor for student affairs at CUNY; Daniel Chan, assistant director for the Office of AccessABILITY at Hunter College; Preston Burger, CUNY LEADS advisor at Bronx Community College; Charmaine Townsell, coordinator for student activities at CUNY; Jes Osrow, co-founder of The Rise Journey; and Allie Cashel, author, co-founder, and president of Suffering the Silence.

“There are so many obstacles to meaningful employment for people with disabilities, from issues of accessibility to discrimination, and this conversation is critical to the well-being of thousands of New Yorkers,” says John Mogulescu, CUNY School of Professional Studies Dean.

The mission of the CUNY School of Professional Studies’ Abilities and Resources Committee is to serve as the connection among students who require diverse accommodations and learning platforms. This effort is spearheaded by:

• Leonard Blades
• Gabrielle Carrion, MA in Disability Studies student
• Christopher Fleming, LEADS advisor and MS in Disability Services in Higher Education student
• Sarah Krusemark, BA in Psychology alumna
• Christopher Leydon, student services coordinator
• Wilma Rodriguez, BA in Disability Studies student
• Selma Sulejman, MA in Disability Studies student

"As the Abilities and Resources Committee strives to enhance unity and a stronger understanding of diverse disabilities, we have the utmost desire to shed light on National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” says Leonard Blades, an MS in Disability Services in Higher Education student at CUNY SPS and one of the founding members of the Abilities and Resources Committee.  “Our intent with this event is to spearhead the conversation, to offer fruitful wisdom, and raise awareness in regards to disability and employment."

Press Contact:
Andrea Fagon
Director of Marketing and Communications
andrea.fagon@cuny.edu
646-664-8690