News Release
Contact
David Bernard
Public Relations Associate,
Public Relations
320 DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE
19720
david.bernard@wilmu.edu
Anastasia Somoza Stands Up For the Disabled
She'll discuss the power of self-determination at Wilmington University on April 10
Anastasia Somoza was born with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia, but it hasn't stopped her from speaking out on behalf of the disabled, especially those — like her twin sister — who can't speak for themselves.
Wilmington University welcomes the human rights activist on Monday, April 10, when she'll speak on "Self Advocacy: Promoting Self-Determination." Her presentation is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in the Doberstein Admissions Center auditorium on the New Castle campus, 320 N. DuPont Highway.
The talk is free and open to the public. Attendees are asked to register on the event's website.
"I am thrilled to have such a strong disability rights advocate come to Wilmington University," said Christyn Rudolf, Manager of Disability Services at WilmU. "I believe that the more positive information we can provide on the topic of disabilities, the more open our community will be as a whole."
Anastasia Somoza gained national attention at age 9 when she asked then-President Bill Clinton in a televised question-and-answer session why her sister, who shares her disabilities but is verbally impaired, had been denied equal opportunities in education.
Since then she has earned degrees from Georgetown University and the London School of Economics and Political Science. Last July, at age 33, she addressed the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on behalf of Americans with disabilities.
Anastasia is now a consultant with the Shield Institute in New York, N.Y., which seeks to promote awareness, acceptance and empowerment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"I hope that attendees will take away a renewed sense of empowerment," said Rudolf. "Whether or not they are faced with a disability, standing up for oneself and setting boundaries is an important aspect of leading a healthy life."
For more information on the event, contact Christyn Rudolf at christyn.e.rudolf@wilmu.edu or (302) 356-6937.
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America 2004 – 2014 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.
