News Fall 07

Disability Services

Fall 2007 edition

Inside this issue:

*Disability Services welcomes New Staff
*Workplace Etiquette
*AR-ILC Survey
*Technology Update
*Delta Sigma Omicron Updates
*Announcements & Reminders
*Career & Tutoring Resources

Disability Services Welcomes New Staff

*Sondra Sims, Learning Disability Specialist.
Ms. Sondra Sims started working in Disability Services in the Summer 2007. She works with students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD/ADD, and others as assigned.

*Kelly McCoy, Notetaker Coordinator.
Ms. Kelly McCoy served as Interim Notetaker Coordinator before she assumed the full time position. Her areas of responsibility include notetaking, volunteering, scholarship, accommodations for deaf and hard of hearing students and students with physical disabilities.

*Porsha McCoy, Transportation Coordinator.
Ms. Porsha McCoy is employed through Delta Service Corps. She coordinates the golf cart transportation program to facilitate transportation for students with physical difficulties traveling within the ASU campus.

All three have been a great asset to ASU. They have shown enthusiasm in working with students. We are glad to have them with us!

Workplace Etiquette and Dressing For Success

Disability Services held a Workshop on "Workplace Etiquette and Dressing For Success" in the Student Union on October 05, 2007. Representatives from Dillard's collaborated with Disability Services in providing information to students on professional work attire, workplace ethics, interviewing skills, office etiquette, resume writing, etc. The workshop entailed an interactive sharing of information, role play, demonstrations and question/answer sessions. The workshop was facilitated by Sondra Sims and Jane Coburn.

Disability Services is planning future workshops on Organization and Time Management, ADD/ ADHD and other related topics. Contact Sondra Sims at (870) 972-3964 for more information.

Northeast Arkansas Independent Living Survey

The Office of Disability Services is assisting the Arkansas Independent Living Council in conducting their survey. The purpose of the survey is to determine the needs of consumers/clients and providers in Craighead and Mississippi Counties. Detailed information collected on the survey will be kept confidential. Please complete the survey online at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=7yVASU74YNal8y4nFXdgxQ_3d_3d . The survey can also be completed in the Disability Services office. More information about the Arkansas Independent Living Council can be found on http://www.ar-ilc.org.

Technology Updates

Tactile Maps and Braille Chart
Disability Services provides maps, charts, and graphics in raised tactile and Braille format for blind students. Please allow at least 2 working days to process the charts, depending on the complexity of the charts.

Jaws Screen Reader Upgrade
Disability Services is in the process of upgrading our screen reader software. The upgraded 5 user licenses network version of Jaws will allow Jaws installation on more than 5 computers with a maximum simultaneous login of 5 users all over campus.

Web Accessibility Workshops
Disability Services offers individual sessions for faculty and staff who would like to know more about creating a more accessibility website and to be more compliant with ADA regulations and ASU Web Publishing Principles.

Technology Sessions for Students
Disability Services offers workshops to help with computer questions, regarding internet, windows, emails, Microsoft Word, Office applications and Assistive Technology devices/software.

Contact Christina Laurentia at (870) 972-3964 to schedule a session on the above workshops.

Delta Sigma Omicron Updates

By Gina Gunter, DSO Secretary

Homecoming Tailgate

The Homecoming Tailgate Party will be on Saturday, October 13th, from 4:30 until 6:30.

Come out and eat some great food, get your free homecoming t-shirt, and cheer ASU on as they play Louisiana Lafayette. All students registered with Disability Services are also invited to the Tailgate.

Be sure and read your email from DSO, print out the coupon to get your homecoming t-shirt, and show up at the Party! There will be four drawings throughout the day , but you can't win if you are not there! If you need tickets for your family or friends call Cecilia at 680-4064.

We still need workers for the event. Come and meet the new members and welcome back returning members.

DSO Upcoming Events

October 2007

October 13, Homecoming Tail Gate Party.
All DSO members and Disability Services students are invited.
October 24, October Meeting.
Our next meeting will be held in the Osage Room of the Student Union on October 24th, at 6:30. Let's all try to be there!
October 27, Miracle Rodeo 2007.
The Social Work Club has volunteered to help with the Miracle Rodeo and they have asked us for help. It is Saturday, October 27 at the Fairgrounds. Please call 932-9538 or 243-7433 and leave your name for Sherry Carter and she will get back with you.

November 2007
Once again we will make and give Thanksgiving baskets for students with disabilities.

December 2007
DSO will help two families this year and we will also Volunteer for The Salvation Army Angel Tree.

Spring 2008
Food Drive Challenge, Fundraiser, and Luau 2008.

Announcements & Reminders

Priority Registration
Students interested in using Priority Registration to register for classes for Spring 2008 should contact Debbie Jernigan at 972-3964 by October 17. Priority Registration begins Monday, October 29 and ends on Thursday, November 1. Students qualified for this accommodation can enroll for classes online before the general registration is open. All registration holds including advisor hold must be removed before students can register for classes.

Scholarship
Students interested in applying for a scholarship for 2008 - 2009 should contact Kelly McCoy. Send an email specifying your major and classification/year to kmccoy@astate.edu.

Testing Schedule
In order to provide ample time for Disability Services to make arrangements for proctors, always schedule exams at least 2 days before the actual exam date. Students should schedule their mid-terms and finals 2 weeks in advance. All students are required to contact their instructors and Disability Services to schedule their exams.

Some but not all Algebra exams will be delivered in the Library 301 (CLT lab). If you are taking any algebra class, please find out the location of the test, it may be given in the CLT lab or Disability Services location in the Student Union.

Email Address
Disability Services (DS) periodically sends you emails of reminders and announcements. If you have not receive any emails from DS, please contact DS to ensure we have your correct email address.

Visit us online at http://disability.astate.edu.

Career Resources

*ASU Career Services. Phone: (870) 972-3025.

*AbilityJobs - Resource for individuals with disabilities seeking job placement and internship. ABILITYjobs.com is easy to use and designed to assist people with disabilities.