Madison Access vol. 5, issue 2 May 2016
OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES Student Success Center, Suite 1202 738 S Mason St Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Phone/TDD: 540-568-6705 Fax: 540-568-7099 E-mail: disability-svcs@jmu.edu
photo courtesy of Dear World
pg 2. Reflections pg 4. “I’ve Got This” pg 5. Staff Snippets pg 6. Woman of Distinction pg. 7 Farewells
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Reflections | Disability Awareness Week May 2016
REFLECTIONS The staff at the Office of Disability Services has worked so hard to prepare for Disability Awareness Week. As a Peer Access Advocate, being a part of the action and working with so many passionate people was a rewarding experience to say the least. DAW is a moving time of year because everyone is allowed a platform to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities. We gained so much support from our JMU community and I was deeply touched by the amount of people who stood with us. There were more volunteers for the Keynote event alone than there were people at our first movie night many years ago. It is amazing to see how much we have grown and how much our community has grown with us. Written by SCARLET RACEY Design by ATIKA CHADHA
Reflections | Disability Awareness Week May 2016
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#IveGotThis T
“Disability Awareness Week 2016” by SCARLET RACEY
he 7th annual Disability Awareness Week was truly motivating, pulling together involvement from the entire Office of Disability Services staff as well as partners and volunteers. The Staff and Students at ODS are proud that the JMU and Harrisonburg community are both supportive of disability. The theme this year was #IveGotThis because it is important to know, whether you have a disability or are an ally, that we need to take care of ourselves so we can be the best advocates possible. The week was about finding inspiration, expressing yourself, building knowledge and understanding, all while paying attention to our bodies and minds. The keynote event held in Wilson Hall featured Josh Sundquist, a one-legged, inspirational speaker and comedian. Sundquist, who was born and raised in Harrisonburg, lost his leg due to cancer when he was 9. He later became a Paralympic ski racer, and is currently a member of the national amputee soccer team. Josh reminded the audience that we may be living a life that we did not plan, but that does not mean our lives are over. We still have the ability to do great things. This is a message that stretches across differences within each and every story.
DEAR WORLD...
Everyone has a story that they want heard. The purpose of a story may be to inspire us, to strengthen us, or to spread awareness. In order to showcase this, ODS paired up with the Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) to bring the “Dear World” Project to JMU. Dukes from all walks of life lined up to express their stories on their body with words sprawled across them in black marker. Students were encouraged to share their portraits online with their story attached, and six students were chosen to share the meaning behind their portraits at a storytelling event held in Wilson Hall. The JMU community came together in a supportive way that the Dear World team had never seen before. JMU had more portraits taken and stories told than any other institution Dear World had visited. Dukes really know how to make an impact!
D.E.E.P IMPACT
The Diversity Excellence Education Program (D.E.E.P Impact) held a panel with the Peer Access Advocates (PAA) where registered students shared the backstory of their disabilities and their appreciation for the accommodations and acceptance received at JMU. The event was centered on exploring stereotypes and misconceptions, recognizing societal dilemmas faced by persons with disabilities, and learning to become better allies.
PARALYMPICS AND ADAPTIVE SPORTS
Josh Sundquist is a Paralympian but what is it like to play a Paralympic sport? Thanks to collaboration with The Department of Kinesiology, UREC, The HART School of Hospitality, and Sports and Recreation Management, ODS was able to hold an Adapted Sports Showcase in Godwin Hall. Students came in and played various adapted sports that are played in the Paralympics. Some of these sports included wheelchair basketball, Beeper Baseball, Wheelchair Football, Goalball, Sit Volleyball and more. Some members of the
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#I’veGotThis May 2016
Charlottesville Cardinals Wheelchair Basketball team and the captain of the Virginia Girls State Goalball team came to have fun as well. It was a great experience packed full of excitement!
COOKING CACCIATORE
Cooking can be fun but for those with allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions it can be a challenge. D-Hall and Dining Services dietitian Hannah Jehring helped us throw an entertaining cooking program. Chef Rob created two affordable recipes free of all the Big 8 allergens as well as all the allergies expressed by the audience. He taught how to create an allergen free Chicken Cacciatore and a vegan friendly Roasted Vegetable Moussaka. Both dishes were divine and simple to make. Chef Rob also showed the participants interesting techniques to bring down the price of a meal like how to cut a whole chicken. Shane Dinan from the Occupational Therapy Graduate program assisted Chef Rob in the recipes. Shane disclosed that he “knew next-to-nothing about cooking so if [he] could do it, then anyone could!”
WE’VE GOT THIS
We all have questions when we take on different tasks. Maybe it’s how to cut up a chicken or maybe it’s how to provide academic accommodations for students. ODS hosted an Open House for faculty members to bring all their toughest questions to director Valerie Schoolcraft, faculty member Amy Yun, and University Counsel Susan Wheeler. Many professors came prepared with questions about accommodations while other participants wanted to discuss Universal Design. The informative event helped build confidence, knowledge, and understanding about how ODS and faculty can work together to better provide for our students. Disability Awareness Week is not only about spreading awareness but also about working together. ODS and the Peer Access Advocates had some amazing collaborators and volunteers that helped make this event possible. We are thankful to be a part of such an engaged community and are excited to create another fantastic week in 2017.
staff snippets CHRIS KINNEY, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
We sat down with Chris to welcome him to the office and learn more about him in this Q&A! ODS: What was it like growing up in a military family? CK: : I got to travel and see the world, mostly Europe and the southeastern United States. I enjoyed growing up in a “service comes first” family. Because of my background, I was interested in a service-based career; given my own struggles with ADHD and a learning disability, being a disability services provider was a natural fit. ODS: Where did you attend College? What degree(s) did you receive? CK: I attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and received a B.S. in Psychology. I received my M.A. in Rehabilitation Counseling as well as my Masters in Library Information Science from the University of Alabama. ODS: Please give a brief description of your work history. CK: I started as a Learning Coach at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, and worked as a Disability Services Coordinator and Assistive Technology Coordinator at Georgia Perimeter College. My last position was Learning Services Coordinator at the University of Virginia ODS: What has been your favorite experience working with us thus far? CK: Camaraderie, coming in in the mornings and being welcomed by so many passionate people who are ready to make a positive change in a student’s life.
#I’veGotThis | Staff Snippets May 2016
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Diane Secord Wins Woman of Distinction Award
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by CHELSEA SIMON
very year the JMU Health Center’s Student Wellness & Outreach Office recognizes a Woman of Distinction. This woman is defined as a “woman who inspires us through her imagination, innovation and dedication; her exemplary talent and achievements; her strength of character and the sincerity with which she serves.” This year the “Woman of Distinction” represents leadership, compassion, creativity, and the Office of Disability Services. Our own, Diane Secord, was recognized at the 10th Annual Diversity Conference in the Festival Ballroom as this year’s “Woman of Distinction”. Diane is the Learning Strategies and Instruction (LSI) Coordinator and a Practitioner for the Office of Disability Services. LSI provides individualized, student-centered academic coaching to increase student success. LSI also assists students to work on timemanagement skills, organization, and study habits to enable students to become self-regulated learners. This program instills the individual’s scholastic self-efficacy and self-confidence in all students. Diane’s positivity and compassion has touched many. She is selfless and truly cares about the success of others. Diane’s laugh and excitement are contagious. We appreciate all that she has done not only for the office but for all of the students she has reached! Congratulations!
Diane is a visionary!
- Christina Wulf
When I think of Diane, the best phrase I can think of is: she listens with her heart then responds with her professionalism and compassion.
-Pauline Hoyte
In the short time I have worked with Diane, I have observed she exhibits true compassion by empowering others through her wisdom and guidance.
– Amy Cook
Diane inspires me to be a more caring, more organized, and a more intentional person! - Anda Weaver Diane winning this award is like flowers blooming in the spring time, it just makes sense. I am so proud and honored to have been one of her supervisees for two years and learn from her all the wisdom, experience, and knowledge she has to offer. She truly knows how to be a woman of distinction.
-Cait Powell
Diane has gone above and beyond in her efforts as a supervisor, helping to make my job as smooth as possible this year. She is always there anytime I need anything and brings positive energy to the office. I am very appreciative to have her as one of my supervisors and am glad that she received the Woman of Distinction award. She definitely deserves it!
- Breonna Davis
From being the LSI coordinator, to taking classes, to being a wife and mom, Diane somehow still remembers the little things going on in our lives! She is also a huge inspiration to my life simply because she is a life-long learner and encourages those around her to be the same way. Diane deserved this award because it was about time she got recognized for all of the wonderful things she does for everyone in her life.
- Elizabeth King
Diane truly embodies what it means to be a servant-leader. She takes advantage of opportunities to build up and help the people around her and in doing so, inspires others to make the world a better place. She is amazing.
- BrittanyDioszeghy
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Woman of Distinction May 2016
Senior Farewells Wow! I am amazed that it has been two years since I first started working for Learning Strategies Instruction. I don’t think I have ever been this sad to leave a position because, to me, this has been more than just a job. LSI and ODS have been a family to me for my entire graduate school career. I have grown so much throughout my time here and learned a lot about myself, what I am capable of, and who I want to be. Diane and the LSI team have been instrumental in the training, developing, and strengthening of my journey as a young professional. Since my start at LSI, I have seen what it truly means to care about a program and collaborate as a team to achieve only the best. The growth of LSI has been astronomical. I am so lucky to have witnessed that progression and to have contributed to such a beneficial program that serves JMU students on a daily basis. Diane has been more like a mentor than a supervisor, and all the peer educators, Elizabeth and Liz especially, and ODS staff have felt more like my friends than my co-workers. In my opinion, what makes a successful program flourish is when you feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself and when you work with people who bring out the best in you. That has been my experience here at LSI, one which I wouldn’t trade for the world. I will miss everyone dearly and am so excited to see what the future brings for this entire office and for the compassionate people pouring all they have into making this special campus better than anyone could have ever imagined. Wishing everyone all the best. CAITLIN POWELL LSI GRADUATE ASSISTANT My time at ODS is the most meaningful of my experiences at JMU. At ODS I had a family of colleagues and peers who valued who I was as a person. Every day I learned something new about what it means to be an advocate while I worked with the amazing staff to provide accommodations for students. The amount of energy that the members of this office put into assisting students is awe-inspiring and something that I want to emulate at any job I work at in the future. One of my favorite memories of working at ODS is just the feelings of camaraderie and energy when working to plan Disability Awareness Week with Scarlet and Chelsea in Peer Access Advocates and with Sarah and Atika in Accessible Media. Working as a team with some amazing people who all care about advocacy and accessibility is what makes ODS a special place. ANDA WEAVER GRADUATE ACCOMMODATIONS ASSISTANT When I started working at ODS in January, I had no idea the impact that the ODS staff would have on my work and on my life. I was lucky to be able to participate and volunteer in The Dear World Project during the 7th Annual Disability Awareness Week. When I was volunteering at the Dear World event I saw so much joy, love, and acceptance amongst the JMU community; I saw the university that I am proud to call home and I saw the people that I am proud to call my family. Without ODS, I may have never had the opportunity to witness such an inclusive and equitable environment. The staff at ODS are some of the best people I have ever met at JMU and I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities that they gave me. COLLEEN LENTILE GRADUATE STUDENT INTERN IN WRITING, RHETORIC AND TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION AcMe is truly so much more than a part-time student job. It is a place of learning, growing, reaching out to the JMU community, making connections and friends, and being a part of something larger than yourself. During my time at ODS I have learned not only invaluable skills, but have created lasting friendships and ties to JMU. In Accessible Media we aim to work toward a more universally designed community and it is so great to be surrounded by people who all share that common goal. As I prepare to leave JMU and continue on to graduate school, one of the things I will miss most about JMU is ODS and all the opportunities it has given me. EMILY COURSEN ACCESSIBLE MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
Farewells May 2016
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My experience in ODS this past semester has been both eye-opening and life-changing. Being exposed to the process of assisting students with disabilities has given me so much insight into this quiet world. Being a student with a disability helps me to remember my own painful journey into college, and with this opportunity I have learned that I was never alone in that process. I have recognized the stories and struggles of the students that I have worked with throughout the semester. I have also uncovered the beauty in each person’s journey. Regardless of disability, illness, race, religion, major, or background, we are all on the same path. We have the same hopes, dreams, and fears, and long for a successful and meaningful life. Through ODS, I have seen the magic that can happen when like-minded people stand together for inclusiveness, acceptance and universal design. The passion for this work that I have seen in my co-workers has opened my eyes to what can be accomplished. I truly understand that there can be “Nothing about us, Without us”. From working one on one with students to advocating across campus, my time at ODS will always have a meaningful impact on my life, and I will take this journey forward into my professional career. LAURA SIEVER SOCIAL WORK INTERN What has been the best part of my job? Coming into working at the Office of Disability Services (ODS), I wanted to educate the JMU community on the various services the office had to offer. Like many students on this campus, I had a preconceived description of what I believed the office did. I was wrong. The office truly embodies a place of advocacy and education on not only accommodations for students but ways to make our surroundings universal for everyone. Being a part of ODS has empowered me to always strive to help be a voice to those who may need it. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to help enable students to find their own confidence to express who they are. ODS has not only helped me become a better advocate for others but a better advocate for myself as well. Even though graduation seems scary, I feel confident in my ability to overcome whatever life throws at me next. I’ve Got This! CHELSEA SIMON PEER ACCESS ADVOCATE
ODS PROFESSIONAL STAFF Valerie Schoolcraft Director Chris Kinney Associate Director Diane Secord Learning Strategies Coordinator Christina Wulf Accessible Media and Technology Specialist Sandra Gulliver Executive Administrative assistant Brittany Dioszeghy Receptionist and Office Assistant Pauline Hoyte Exam Accomodations Assistant Brennan Maupin Visual Impairment Production Accommodation Assistant Sarah Humphreys Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accommodation Assistant Amy Cook Notetaking Accommodation Assistant
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Farewells | Staff Information May 2016
GRADUATE ASSISTANTS Breonna Davis Screening and Referral Anda Weaver Student Accommodations Caitlin Powell Learning Strategies Instruction
NEWSLETTER STAFF EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Anda Weaver Paa & Graduate Assistant Atika Chadha Graphic Designer and Accessible Media
MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Humphreys
STAFF WRITERS
Chelsea Simon Paa & Social Media Manager Scarlet Racey Paa & Volunteer Coordinator