Rowan Disability Student Union's Kick Off!

We are celebrating the launch and success of the start of a new chapter of the Rowan Disability Student Union!

Celebration Cake will be provided

Date: Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Time: 12PM - 1PM

Location: Student Center 221

If you have any questions, please contact us at RowanDisabilityStudentUnion@gmail.com

This event has past now, but it was successful and kick it off with style! We can't wait to see what we do as a Union now and into the future!

1. Meet and Greet — 11:45 AM to 12:00 PM

2. Founder and Chief Executive Officer’s Address, Raymond Wos, Jr.,  Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rowan Disability Student Union — 12:00 PM to 12:05 PM

3. Presidential Address, Amanda Bonino, President of the Rowan Disability Student Union — 12:05 PM to 12:10 PM

4. Inducting of Executive & Advisory Board - 12:10 PM - 12:15 PM

5. Awards — 12:15 PM to 12:25 PM

6. Cutting of Celebratory RDSU Cake — 12:25 PM to 12:30 PM

7. Closing Address - 12:30 PM to 12:35 PM

8. Open Microphone for Disability Inclusion on Campus & DIY Bracelet Bar — 12:35 PM to 1:00 PM

Raymond Wos, Jr., the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Rowan Disability Student Union (RDSU), delivered an inspiring address at the RDSU's kick-off event. Reflecting on his journey, he spoke of his role in establishing the union to create a space of inclusivity for students with disabilities at Rowan University. Inspired by the legacy of disability rights advocate Dr. Judy Heumann, Wos highlighted the union's core values: Accessibility, Visibility, Advocacy, Intersectionality, Social Justice, Inclusion, Community, and Acceptance. He expressed gratitude to administration and fellow students for their support and introduced Amanda Bonino as RDSU's first president, who was sworn in with an oath focused on the mission of uplifting and advocating for the disability community on campus.

Amanda Bonino, the first ever President of RDSU, shared her vision for the union. With a background in psychology and active involvement in student organizations, Bonino expressed her dedication to fostering inclusivity. She emphasized the union's three focus areas: empowerment, education, and advocacy. Bonino aims to amplify the voices of disabled students through storytelling, educate the campus community to reduce stigma through workshops and events, and work with the administration to advocate for the community's rights. She encouraged all members to actively participate and contribute, setting a collaborative tone for the union’s future efforts to champion disability rights on campus.

The document, titled "Award Recipients," lists individuals honored at the Rowan Disability Student Union (RDSU) kick-off event. Each recipient was awarded for their contributions in specific areas related to disability advocacy and support. The awards and recipients are as follows:

• Justin Whitlock Dart, Jr. Legacy Award: John Woodruff

• Ed Roberts Legacy Award: Raymond Wos, Jr.

• Dr. Judy Heumann Legacy Award: Jessica Dean

• Neurodiversity Advocacy Award: Georgia Majka

• Disability Advocacy Award: Dr. Rory McElwee

• Disability Education Research Award: Dr. Brent Elder

• Disability Representation in Accessible Literature Award: Dr. Ash Lierman

• Disability Inclusion Award: Ashley Davis

• Disability Innovator Award: Serena Powell

• Disability Education Resource Award: Brynn Wilson

• Disability Representation in Media Award: Melanie Waldman

• Disability Employer Award: Amanda Vellon - Inclusion Coffee Shop

Each award reflects RDSU's commitment to honoring those who advance disability rights, inclusion, and representation in various fields.

To be add soon...