Disability Services Newsletter

Fall 2009

Inside this issue

History of Disability Services
Congratulations
Important Dates
Technology Update
Delta Sigma Omicron
Testing Accommodation
Academic Success & Access Program

History of Disability Services

While becoming involved in the University's Centennial Celebration, many historical documents have been discovered that show the basis for certain departments within the Student Affairs division.
Of the 13 departments established in the division, we know that Disability Services was the ninth to be initiated. With the enactment of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the nation learned that students with disabilities had a right to an education. This set the stage for much legislation to follow in subsequent years and continues to make it possible for students with disabilities to receive the accommodations they need.

It was not until 1990 that the Office of Disability Services was established. This was brought about by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which mandated access for people with disabilities in the public and private sectors, as well as higher education. The first contact person for Disability Services was Dr. Rick Stripling who served in this capacity from 1980-1989. Dr. Jenifer Rice-Mason took over the contact responsibilities from 1989 to 1992. In 1992 the Office of Disability Services was created by the late Dr. Mossie Richmond, Jr. who appointed Dr. Rice-Mason as the full time director.
In the beginning, the office was located in a small cubicle in the Student Life Office serving approximately 25 students. In five short years, Disability Services grew from a population of 75 students in 1990, with Dr. Rice-Mason as the only staff member, to 155 students in 1995. Disability Services now serves approximately 515 students with a staff of six full time positions and one part time position as well as a number of student employees.

 

Congratulations!

Jane Coburn, DS Administrative Assistant earned her Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in December 2008, Magna Cum Laude.
Aretha Fulcher, DS Program Coordinator for Testing will earn her Master in Rehabilitation Counseling in December 2009.

Technology Updates

Disability Services (DS) is moving forward with Daisy books production. Disability Services is now able to produce daisy books for text and math. Daisy is a digital navigable talking book format for persons with print disabilities. Disability Services processed on average over 220 requests for alternative books yearly.
Students registered with Disability Services can use the DS Computer Lab in the Library Room 242. Several computers with assistive technology software are also available in the Library Reference Area, Wilson Language Lab 317, Education 209, Smith Hall 402, Science & Math 102, Nursing 302 and Disability Services Office Student Union 2181.
A list of devices and software available for students are available on the DS website: http://disability.astate.edu . For more information contact Christina Laurentia in Disability Services.

 

Testing Accommodation

If you qualify for accommodated testing, remember to always schedule your exams 2 days in advance. You can schedule your exams online at Disability Services website: http://www2.astate.edu/a/student-affairs/disability/testing/index.dot . Also, please remember to put the exam time on the date/time line. If you have any questions or concerns about your exam, please feel free to contact Aretha Fulcher by email or phone.

Delta Sigma Omicron

Delta Sigma Omicron kicked off the Fall semester with a Welcome Back meeting on August 27 and participation in the ASU Community & Organizational Fair. DSO held a "Share a dollar" fundraiser on September 23 to help fund Fall activities. The fundraiser was successful and we hope to hold another fundraiser.
The next activity is Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday, October 24. All students registered with Disability Services are invited to join us. The Red Wolf Medieval Guild will perform a medieval demonstration. We will have lots of food and fun. DSO will collect Christmas Angels for 15 children and is currently accepting applications for the angels. If you would like to participate in the Christmas Angels project, email DSO at deltasigmaomicronasu@yahoo.com. Delta Sigma Omicron is a student organization sponsored by the Office of Disability Services and was established in 2001. We invite you to learn more about DSO in our meetings set on November 3 and December 1 at 4:30 p.m. in the St. Francis room. More information about DSO can be found on our website: http://www.astate.edu/dso.
DSO 2009-2010 Officers:
Melody Kennedy, President
Geraldine Staples, Vice President
Heather Garrett, Secretary
Janet Bowman, Treasurer

Academic Success and Access Program (ASAP)

Disability Services has a transitional supportive services program, Academic Success and Access Program (ASAP) for students with disabilities of all types. The goal of the program is to give students with disabilities the necessary tools to facilitate their personal, academic, and career success.
Volunteers/Peer Assistants are needed to assist with intervention relative to tutoring basic academic and other skills such as: test taking skills, scheduling and time management, task completion, and teaching note-taking and organizational techniques. Please visit the Disability Services Office in the Student Union to complete a Disability Services Volunteer Application. The generous contribution of your time and support will be greatly appreciated.

"Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or the same way"
-George Evans

 

Important Dates

October 24: Homecoming & Tailgate
October 26 - 30: Priority Registration
November 3: DSO meeting
November 18: Last day to drop a course
November 23 - 27: Fall break
December 1: DSO meeting
December 8: Study day
December 11: DS Equipment due
December 9 - 15: Final Exams

This newsletter is also available on Adobe PDF format.
Editor: Christina Laurentia
Director: Dr. Jenifer Rice-Mason