Feb. 26, 2008
Presentation College Social Work program presents activities for Abilities
Awareness Week
ABERDEEN, S.D. -- The Social Work program at Presentation College has announced the schedule of activities for Abilities Awareness Week, an exploration of issues and ideas surrounding disabilities. The focal point of the week is the Social Work Luncheon and Workshop on Friday, March 7, which includes a screening of a new, locally-produced film, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and individuals featured in the piece.
The week’s activities include:
Freedom Machines; Wednesday, March 5, Red Rooster Coffee House, 7 p.m.; Free
Meet a cross-section of individuals with disabilities whose lives have been transformed with the help of new technology in this film from PBS. See how these same efforts are improving lives for everyone. This is part of the Social Justice Film Series presented each month by the PC Social Work Program in cooperation with POV, the award-winning film series from PBS.
David and Lisa; Thursday, March 6, Red Rooster Coffee House, 7 p.m.; Free
Come listen to the award-winning story about the friendship of two young people who met in a residential center for treatment of mental illness.
Social Work Roundtable: Mental Illness Then and Now; Friday, March 7, Presentation College, 10 a.m.; Free
Join in this presentation by Social Work students on mental illness. Held in Room NU 28 on the Presentation College campus.
Social Work Luncheon and Workshop; Friday, March 7, Presentation College, Noon; $10 in advance, $15 at door
See a new locally-produced film about mental illness, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker and individuals in the film. Held at the Dining Hall at the Suites, on the NW corner of the Presentation College campus.
Rainman; Friday, March 7, Red Rooster Coffee House; Free
Come enjoy a screening of Rainman, the award-winning film in which Dustin Hoffman portrays Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant. The film is based on the true story of Kim Peek. Screenwriter Barry Morrow will lead a pre-film discussion via phone from his home in California.
Bill on His Own; Saturday, March 8, Red Rooster Coffee House, 7 p.m.; Free
After 50 years in a Minnesota state mental hospital, Bill Sackter ends up in Iowa City running a small coffee shop on the University of Iowa campus. Mickey Rooney plays Bill in this film; Helen Hunt portrays a social work student whose life is altered by her friendship with Bill. Based on a true story of the man who became an “unlikely celebrity” and a symbol of the burgeoning abilities awareness movement. Bill died several years ago, but the coffee shop is still operating and continues to be staffed by individuals with disabilities. Tom Gilsenan, a former manager of the coffee shop, will introduce the film.
Presentation College’s Social Work program offers courses at the Aberdeen and Eagle Butte campuses, and a social work degree completion program in Sioux Falls in collaboration with Kilian College. For more information about any of the events or to RSVP to Friday’s Luncheon and Workshop, contact the Social Work Program Office at (605) 229-8327.
###
About Presentation College
Presentation College is an independent Catholic educational institution, sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Founded in 1922, Presentation College is a specialty Health Science Baccalaureate Institution located in Aberdeen, SD, with branch campuses in Eagle Butte, SD and Fairmont, MN. Students at Presentation College are presented with unlimited opportunities to grow intellectually, personally, professionally, and spiritually. For more information visit our website at www.presentation.edu.
Media Contact:
Tarah Jahnig
Coordinator of Friends and College Relations
Presentation College
605.229.8378