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Introduction
"Whatever Goes Unseen, Goes Unchanged:" Disability Awareness at the UM Libraries
October 2007
For the month of October 2007, the University of Maryland Libraries Diversity Team, in cooperation with the President's Commission on Disability Issues, will be highlighting resources from our collections related to disabilities and disability studies. This includes a series of displays at McKeldin Library, Nonprint Media Services Library, Engineering and Physical Sciences Library, and the Art Library on various aspects of disabilities, as well as a series of disability-related films available on our Dial Access system. Exhibit information and additional resources are listed below.
Information for visitors with disabilities
View the Event Flyer [PDF]
Download the event Bookmarks [PDF]
Exhibit Information
"Whatever Goes Unseen, Goes Unchanged:"
Recent Work in Disability Studies
October 1 -18, 2007
McKeldin Library, Main Lobby
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Disability Studies is a developing, multidisciplinary field which questions such traditional binaries as "able-bodied vs. disabled," and "normal vs. abnormal." In the view of Disability Studies scholars, physical and psychological conditions well within the range of "normal" human experience cause a person to be disabled not because of any inherent deficiency on the part of that person, but because society erects barriers (both physical and attitudinal) that limit his or her full participation. The term "disability," then, is a social construct, rather than a physical or mental condition. The exhibit in McKeldin Library (on view October 1-18 only) highlights recent work showing how Disability Studies scholars in a variety of fields--the arts, communication, history, literature, sociology, women's studies, and more--are complicating notions of "normalcy" and changing our understanding of the social conditions that constitute "disability."
"Whatever Goes Unseen, Goes Unchanged:"
Disability on Film
October 1 - 31, 2007
Nonprint Media Services Library, Ground Floor, Hornbake Building
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"To See, To Hear, To Understand." This is the driving principle behind the Nonprint Media Services Library. And what better way to see -- and understand-- what often goes unseen than through the camera lens?! Nonprint has a strong collection of video programming that deals with many aspects of disability issues. Their exhibit during the month of October will highlight some of them, both in the documentary format and the feature films that one would see in the theater.
In addition, a number of the programs will play continually throughout the month on the Library's Dial Access system. The entire collection is available for previewing within the Library.
- October 1 - 7: A Mind of Your Own
Presents the story of four young people with learning disabilities and how they confront them and enjoy their own unique talents such as singing and chess. (1999, 38 min.) - October 8 - 14: Chuck Close: Close Up
A biography of American artist Chuck Close, including extensive interviews and footage of him creating in the studio. (2004, 28 min.)and Dark Side of the Moon
Profiles the stories of three mentally disabled men, formerly homeless, who have overcome despair, stigma and isolation to become valued members of their community. (1997, 25 min.) - October 15 - 21: In Our Own Image
A documentary on the ethical dilemmas faced by families with hereditary disorders whether or not to have a child who will inherit their disorder. Discusses how society deals with people who are "different," and the ethics of preventing children with certain genes from being born. (2004, 42 min.) - October 22 - 28: When Billy Broke His Head
After a motor scooter accident left him brain damaged, former radio journalist Billy Golfus went on the road to meet people with disabilities around the country, and witnessed first hand the strength and anger that is forging a new civil rights movement. (1994, 57 min.) - October 29 - November 4: Writer's Block: Disability on Campus
Produced by staff of the University of Maryland Libraries, this film dramatizes a series of interviews between an admissions panel for a literary honor society and four aspiring writers, each with a different disability. (1997, 27 min.)
"Whatever Goes Unseen, Goes Unchanged:"
Disability in the Visual Arts
October 1 - 31, 2007
Art Library, Second Floor, Art/Sociology Building.
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Visual artists who struggle with physical and mental impairments create works that variously reflect or transcend their experiences of disability, while artists who are not disabled sometimes focus on disability as a recurring or occasional theme in their work. This display from the Art Library's collections brings together images by a diverse group of artists whose works in a variety of media are related by the common thread of disability, broadly defined.
"Whatever Goes Unseen, Goes Unchanged:"
Disability in Science and Engineering
October 1 - 31, 2007
Engineering and Physical Sciences Library, Room 1403, Math Building.
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How we assess persons with disabilities depends on how we view disability. If we see persons with disabilities as incompetent or un-able, they will be categorized as being helpless. Prejudice like this has prevented and continues to prevent students from attempting to join the engineering and science fields. Our aim is to change this notion and to highlight significant achievements of scientists and engineers with (dis)Abilities. EPSL's exhibit will feature information on the current status of students and scientists with disabilities active in their fields; resources on assistive technologies; and biographical information on several inventors and scientists who are or were disabled themselves and/or worked to aid those with disabilities. The exhibit will consist of various stations on the ground floor of the library that will allow visitors to explore how the power of the mind and the human spirit can transcend physical limitations.
"Whatever Goes Unseen, Goes Unchanged:"
Federal Initiatives in Disability Rights
October 1 - 31, 2007
McKeldin Library, Government Documents & Maps, 4th Floor
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Since the end of World War II and the movement to address issues related to disabled veterans, there's been a marked increase in disability rights legislation. This exhibit features an array of educational materials, committee reports, and recommendations for future action that the federal government has produced to promote the rights of people with disabilities and to increase disabilities awareness.
For more information see the Government Documents Exhibit web site: http://www.lib.umd.edu/GOV/exhibits.html
Reading Lists
The following lists include recent materials from various University of Maryland Libraries. Check the online Catalog for the availability of these items, or to request items that are not available at your campus.-
Assistive Technologies [PDF]
Disability Memoirs and Personal Essays [PDF]
Disability Studies [PDF]
Disability History and the Disability Rights Movement [PDF]
Additional Resources at Maryland
Campus Resources
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Disability Support Service (DSS): "The mission of DSS is to coordinate services that ensure individuals with disabilities equal access to University of Maryland College Park programs."
President's Commission on Disability Issues: "The Commission, established in 1986, advises the President on issues to improve the quality of life for students and employees with disabilities." PCDI is coordinating campus-wide events for Disability Awareness Month 2007 "designed to recognize social and cultural contributions made by people with disabilities, and to increase campus awareness of the changes still needed to create equal opportunities and an inclusive environment."
Library Resources
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Diversity Mediagraphy: Disabilities: Lists disability-related films and documentaries available in the Nonprint Media Services Library.
Resource Guide for Disability Studies: Lists electronic and print resources in the UM Libraries for disability-related research.
