SEMO STUDENTS ARE LEARNING ABOUT HANDICAPS THIS MONTH

Students on the Southeast Missouri State University campus have an opportunity this month to learn a little about living with a handicap.

March is handicap awareness month. The month and a series of activities are designed to raise awareness about issues handicapped individuals face, said Randy Jones, vice president of Handi-Capable.

Handi-Capable, an organization for handicapped persons, is sponsoring the activities along with Student Life Programs and Student Government.

Harold Kuehle, Cape Girardeau County collector, is keynote speaker for the event. He will speak Thursday at 7 p.m. at the University Center. Kuehle is a member of the Missouri Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. He will discuss attitudes and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Also on Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a wheelchair obstacle course will be set up in the University Center. Booths from a variety of agencies and organizations dealing with issues of the disabled will be set up at the center.

Students are also participating in simulations this week where they attend a few classes in a wheelchair or simulate some other disability.

On Friday a luncheon will be held for students who have participated in the simulations to tell about their experiences.