One Book Kickoff Event Held at BC
Thursday, September 14, 2023
On Wednesday, September 13, the Bakersfield College Student Government Association and Disabled Student Programs & Services (DSPS) partnered with the Kern County One Book Project to host the annual One Book Kick Off Event. Each year, BC hosts the kickoff event to highlight the One Book Primary Title choice, and this year we highlighted Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig. To kick off discussion on themes from this book such as accessibility and visibility, Bakersfield College hosted a diverse group of panelists including community members, staff, and students. Our panelists discussed barriers they faced in completing their own post-secondary education, support systems that helped them along the way. and helpful strategies in supporting others pursue their educational goals. Perhaps the most impactful message that resonated with everyone was this concept of universal design, a concept that calls for creating access for everyone, not simply those with disabilities. Following the panel, there was a resource fair that provided information on how to support students with disabilities both on campus and in the community. If you would like to find out more, including a recording of the panel and about the upcoming events in the One Book series, please visit their website, KCLOneBook.org.
The panelists who contributed to the engaging discussions included:
- Colby Boen-Padilla – BC Student
- Terri Goldstein - CEO and Founder, Dr. T's Inclusion Solutions
- Shellena Heber - Executive Director, Valley Center for the Blind
- Francisco Lizarde - Alt-Media Specialist, Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS)
- Lance Mack – BC Student
- Bernadette Madrid - Adjunct Counselor, Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS)
- Josiah Thomas – BC Student
