Harper to hold Disability Awareness Week

For Kevin Foster, being legally blind doesn't mean a life of limitations. He's a two-time member of the U.S. Paralympics Alpine Ski Team and an avid runner, hiker and backpacker.

He's also a longtime human resources executive at Motorola Solutions and founder of the Motorola Solutions People with Disabilities and Allies Business Council.

Foster will join a Disability and Employment panel that will examine the issues facing individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the Building J Theatre on Harper's main campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine.

"The goal is to have employers discuss the advantages of hiring individuals with disabilities, along with tips for those individuals during their job search," said Debbie Reuter, instructional program specialist. "Some of the panelists have disabilities themselves and will share their own employment experiences."

The panel highlights Harper's observance of Disability Awareness Week. Other events include:

• Disability History Exhibit: The 22-panel collage traces 3,000 years of seldom told history and explores how disability crosses all aspects of life. Oct. 19-23, Avanté Center Concourse.

• "Chronic Strength: Navigating the Pathway to Academic Success and Managing a Chronic Medical Condition" presented by Heath and Psychological Services. Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Building D, Room D193X.

• Documentary screening of "The Movement: One Man Joins and Uprising." The film follows Rick Finkelstein, who was paralyzed in a ski accident and not expected to live. Six years and nine surgeries later, cameras captured his dramatic return to the mountain. 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, Building J Theatre.

Events are free and open to the public. For information about Access and Disability Services, visit harpercollege.edu/ads.