CONTACT: Clara Mae Marcotte

512-593-4143

CAPABILITIES RATHER THAN DISABILITIES EMPHASIS

OF NATIONAL REHABILITATION AWARENESS CELEBRATION 1998

KINGSVILLE (September 4, 1998) -- Nearly 50 million Americans are disabled. Disability does not discriminate; every person is at risk of disability. Most Americans will require at least one rehabilitation service at some point in their lives.

Focusing attention on the tremendous value and impact of rehabilitation is the purpose behind this year's National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration. Texas A&M University-Kingsville's Center for Life Services and Wellness staff will answer questions and hand out brochures and give-aways Wednesday Sept. 16 in the Student Union Building lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students, faculty, staff and the community.

"People with disabilities and mental illness face barriers and discrimination," said Rachel Cox, Texas A&M-Kingsville counselor and assistant coordinator for services for students with disabilities. "With education we are finally beginning to break down these barriers."

Nationally, the focus this year will be on opportunity and possibilities rather than disability and limitations, on the individuals who have triumphed over the challenges of injury or illness, on the families and friends who have provided support and encouragement, on the medical community who have achieved beneficial medical advances, and on the rehabilitation providers who have enabled people to gain the skills, strength and determination to attain the greatest level of independence possible.

Statistics show that medical rehabilitation improves lives and saves money. For every dollar spent on rehabilitation care, it is estimated that $11 are saved on long-term disability costs. People participating in rehabilitation programs of care are able to regain productivity and return to work, school and independent living.

For more information, call Cox at 512-593-3024.

-TAMUK-