Students with Disabilities and Friends (SDF) of Sonoma State University present Russell Cosby of the Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. He will address the subject of learning disabilities and learning differences (LD) at The Cooperage.
Russell Cosby, the brother of celebrity Bill Cosby and uncle of the late Ennis Cosby, is a board member of the foundation. His story is one of hope and determination ? one of an individual who, with guidance and encouragement, realized his potential.
Cosby thought college was out of reach until his nephew convinced him otherwise. Ennis encouraged his uncle to be tested for dyslexia and helped him create his own college curriculum.
Russell Cosby was invited to speak at SSU by SDF President Toni Marks. "Students with learning disabilities are falling through the cracks of higher education," said Marks. "Many LD students will not graduate because fewer academic services are available at four-year colleges than at the primary, high school or junior college level. Our goal for this event is to inform the public about the needs of those with learning differences and learning disabilities."
Curiously, Ennis Cosby thought his dyslexia was a gift. "The happiest day of my life was the day I found out I was dyslexic," he said. That discovery enabled him to recognize that the doors of learning and creativity were open for him. He encouraged others to embrace their learning disabilities and differences by sharing his joy and inspiration.
The Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation (www.hellofriend.org) was established in 1997 as a public, non-profit organization to fulfill the goals and dreams of Ennis Cosby. His common greeting to friends, old and new, inspired the foundation?s name. It is dedicated to being a friend to all people with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. "Our goal is to help friends recognize and celebrate their gifts, and to open the doors of learning for them so they can develop their full potential," said the foundation?s Executive Director Phillip Caputo.
The mission of SDF (www.students.sonoma.edu/clubs/sdf/sdf.html) is to unite and build community among disabled and non-disabled faculty, staff and students; and to create awareness and education about disabilities so that equal opportunity and access is ensured to everyone at SSU.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and may be purchased in advance at the SSU Student Union Desk, (707) .664.2382, or at the door. Parking is $2.50.
Sponsors include Santa Rosa Junior College Associated Students, SSU Associated Students, SSU Alumni, SSU, Office of the Provost Cal State Improvement Grant Funding, New Horizon School & Learning Center, Santa Rosa Sylvan Learning Center, LDA-Marin Golden Gate (LDA-MGG), Northern CA Lions Club chapters (North Bay, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Gravenstein, Healdsburg and more), the California Human Services at SSU Campus, Parents Assoc. Matrix, and CH.A.D.D./ADD.
