University News
Orwig Appointed to National Council
August 18, 2006
MACOMB, IL – Russell ‘Rusty’ Orwig, a Western Illinois University associate professor of social work, has been appointed to a three-year term on the Council on Disability and Persons with Disabilities, one of the Council on Social Work Education’s national councils and committees.
The purpose of the the Council on Disability and Persons with Disabilities is to develop social work education resources that are related to issues surrounding disability and the experiences of individuals with disabilities. The council works to assist in issues related to disabilities in the social work field and helps advocate on matters involving disabilities and people with disabilities as they relate to social work education.
“Rusty has been involved in and an advocate for disability issues for many years,” said Dave Iacono-Harris, social work chair. “He has volunteered at a summer camp for young burn victims. As a burn survivor himself, he has always emphasized the ability of all persons.”
Orwig also serves as a Red Cross mental health volunteer. In Fall 2004 he traveled to Florida to work with individuals affected by the hurricanes. As a mental health volunteer, Orwig was there to provide crisis intervention and address immediate concerns of the clients and staff.
“Rusty’s appointment to the council will enhance the disabilities course that he teaches, and will further raise awareness among our majors to the issues faced by persons with disabilities,” Iacono-Harris added.
Orwig joined WesternÂ’s social work faculty in August 1998.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
Connect with us: