Creating Opportunities for Independence
Karen Keninger
Tuesday, 02 Mar 2010 at 7:00 pm – Sun Room, Memorial Union
Karen Keninger is the director of the Department for the Blind, an independent state agency with employees throughout the state of Iowa. Keninger speaks about what it is like to be blind and how the department's services help people regain confidence and get back to living full, productive lives. She addresses misconceptions about blindness, public perception and many of the hurdles a blind person must overcome in order to live an independent life. Keninger has been visually impaired since birth and completely blind since age twenty. She earned a bachelor's degree in journalism at Drake University, a master's degree in English at Iowa State, raised six children, and has worked as a freelance writer.Cosponsored By:
- Alliance for Disability Awareness
- Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office
- Student Disability Resources
- University Committee on Disabilities
- Committee on Lectures (funded by Student Government)
Stay for the entire event, including the brief question-and-answer session that follows the formal presentation. Most events run 75 minutes.
Sign-ins are after the event concludes. For lectures in the Memorial Union, go to the information desk in the Main Lounge. In other academic buildings, look for signage outside the auditorium.
Lecture Etiquette
- Stay for the entire lecture and the brief audience Q&A. If a student needs to leave early, he or she should sit near the back and exit discreetly.
- Do not bring food or uncovered drinks into the lecture.
- Check with Lectures staff before taking photographs or recording any portion of the event. There are often restrictions. Cell phones, tablets and laptops may be used to take notes or for class assignments.
- Keep questions or comments brief and concise to allow as many as possible.