Summer 2025 Events
BIG, Booked & Beyond: Book Club
July 23 | 12-1 p.m. | CH 117*
This year, the book club will be traveling with fun snacks and hosted by several different offices, where we will learn about neurodiversity through the book selected and discuss how the host office can better support neurodiverse students.
Like all BIG Read (TBR) events, the traveling book club is open to all students, faculty and staff and aspires to foster empathy and deepen understanding through shared conversations and diverse perspectives.
The host of this book club is Disability Resource Center. We will discuss chapters 1 and 2 of this book, as well as chapter 4 of this book. (Reach out to Jen or Jane if you need a copy.)
If you don’t have a chance to read it all, come anyway; there is a lot to learn and the discussions are so great!
*If you are on the Findlay Campus, reach out to Paul Weaver to join.
BIG, Booked & Beyond: Book Club
August 5 | 12-1 p.m. | CH 158*
This year, the book club will be traveling with fun snacks and hosted by several different offices, where we will learn about neurodiversity through the book selected and discuss how the host office can better support neurodiverse students.
Like all BIG Read (TBR) events, the traveling book club is open to all students, faculty and staff and aspires to foster empathy and deepen understanding through shared conversations and diverse perspectives.
The host of this book club is Trio Programs. We will discuss: TBA.
If you don’t have a chance to read it all, come anyway; there is a lot to learn and the discussions are so great!
*If you are on the Findlay Campus, reach out to Paul Weaver to join.
BIG Read “FunShop”
August 20 | 12-2 p.m. | CH 117
Join us as we prepare to discuss this year’s BIG Read; participants will leave with actionable items to use with classes and/or offices, as well as make sensory items for their offices.
Fall 2025 Events
BIG Read “Confronting Biases”
September 4 | 11 a.m. | CH 100 & Livestream: TBA.
Confronting Biases is focused on raising awareness and promoting dialogue around the unconscious and systemic biases that we all hold and which impact individuals and communities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how biases operate and strategies for recognizing and challenging them. The goal is to foster a more inclusive, empathetic environment by encouraging understanding.
Join us as we learn more about our biases with Dr. Kristin Price, Social and Behavioral Sciences Professor, and TBA.
BIG, Booked & Beyond: Book Club
September 9 | 12-1 p.m. | CH 173* (Enter Library CH170 and turn right.)
This year, the book club will be traveling with fun snacks and hosted by several different offices, where we will learn about neurodiversity through the book selected and discuss how the host office can better support neurodiverse students.
Like all BIG Read (TBR) events, the traveling book club is open to all students, faculty and staff and aspires to foster empathy and deepen understanding through shared conversations and diverse perspectives.
The host of this book club is Learning Commons. We will discuss: TBA.
If you don’t have a chance to read it all, come anyway; there is a lot to learn and the discussions are so great!
*If you are on the Findlay Campus, reach out to Paul Weaver to join.
Documentary Film Showing: TBA
September: TBA | 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | CH 100 & Livestream (Only the discussion will be livestreamed.): TBA.
Join us as we learn more about neurodiversity with this documentary and have a Q&A with the film director and individuals in the film.
BIG Read “BIG Book Debate”
October 8 | 12:30-3 p.m. | CH 100 & Livestream: TBA.
Engage in a thought-provoking debate on ethical issues that shape our society and impact neurodivergent individuals. This event will feature individuals with diverse viewpoints that will challenge attendees to consider multiple sides to ethical dilemmas.
Join us for a lively exchange of ideas and respectful dialogue on what it means to do the right thing in a rapidly changing world.
BIG Read “BIG Reel with Joe” — Feature Film Showing: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
October 29 | 12:30-3:30 p.m. | CH 100 & Livestream (Only the discussion will be livestreamed.): TBA.
Join us for a powerful and insightful film that explores the natural variations of the human brain known as neurodiversity. A film that calls the viewer to rethink traditional ideas of learning, communication and how we define success.
A live discussion with Joe Duda, Instructor of Philosophy, will follow the film; the discussion will begin around 2:30 p.m. Jodi Gore, Instructor of Social Work, will lead the online discussion. To watch the film online: TBA.
BIG, Booked & Beyond: Book Club
November 19 | 12-1 p.m. | CH 154*
This year, the book club will be traveling with fun snacks and hosted by several different offices, where we will learn about neurodiversity through the book selected and discuss how the host office can better support neurodiverse students.
Like all BIG Read (TBR) events, the traveling book club is open to all students, faculty and staff and aspires to foster empathy and deepen understanding through shared conversations and diverse perspectives.
The host of this book club is Learning Commons. We will discuss: TBA.
If you don’t have a chance to read it all, come anyway; there is a lot to learn and the discussions are so great!
*If you are on the Findlay Campus, reach out to Paul Weaver to join.
BIG Read “BIG Blackout Bunker”
December 3 & 4 | 9:30-3:30 p.m. | Owens CC Toledo-area Campus Library, CH 170
Step into this dynamic escape room experience where every puzzle reflects the diverse ways our brains work. Participants will collaborate using a range of cognitive strengths–pattern recognition, memory, logic, creativity and sensory awareness to solve challenges inspired by neurodivergent experience such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc. Each room will emphasize a different strength and will require problem-solving from multiple perspectives, encouraging players to value different ways of thinking.
If you are interested in having your class or office participate, please reach out to Jen at jennifer_hazel@owens.edu.
“Let’s Talk BIG w/ Jane & Jen”
Thursdays, Fall & Spring Semesters | 7 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 7 p.m. | 10 p.m. | Owens Community College Radio , RSS.com, or the OCCR YouTube Channel.
Spring 2026 Events
BIG Read Author Visit with Adaptive Technology Fair
April 21 | 10 a.m. | CFPA Theatre & Livestream: TBA.
BIG Read Author Visit–April 241 | 10 a.m. | CFPA Theatre (Toledo-area Campus) and Livestream; click here.
Time: TBA | Location: TBA (Findlay-area)
Do not miss the opportunity to hear Marian Schembari discuss her book and have your copy signed following the discussion.