The Sheridan Sun Online
http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/nov_04_2010/profile_...
CONTACT | ABOUT | ARCHIVES Monday January 31st, 2011
PROFILE
MORE INFORMATION
Advisor helps people with disabilities
Find out about learning disabilities
By Nadia Adalath
Disabilities doesn't always come in the form of a physical disability. Sometimes people can have a learning disability.
Having a disability brings its own set of challenges. However, people with disabilities at Sheridan are able to get the help that they need to succeed from dedicated advisors, who are located in the Accessible Screenshot of the Accessible Learning Services page. Learning Services office, in the B Wing across from Tim Hortons.
Abilities Magazine Go here to read about people with disabilities, and other interesting stories
PHOTO BY NADIA ADALATH
An advisor who has made a difference is Deborah Galama. Galama grew up in Ottawa, Ont. and she has worked in colleges and universities all her adult life as an advisor and has been with Sheridan for a total of six years.
Her motivation Galamaʼs interest in language processing motivated her to work with individuals with special needs. “I have always been fascinated by language. In university I studied how the brain processes language, and I was particularly interested in what could be done when some part of the language is not working the way it should,” Galama said.
She explained how the brain language is different when it is not working as it should. When an individual has a brain injury they can have stuttering, language difficulties (speech) and reading difficulties.
Walking in my shoes As most people know I have a disability, however having a disability is only a part of who I am as a person. My disability is called cerebal palsy and this is when the signals in my brain don't get to my legs in order for me to walk on my own. However there are kind individuals that help me overcome all my obstacles that I face day to day. I currently write for the Sheridan Sun and let me just say my disability doesn't get in the way of me reaching my goals, and in the way of me writing stories. I am the same as anyone else and I don't see myself as any differently then my peers. To find out more about CP go here - Nadia Adalath Journalism Print Student
"I didnʼt want to just learn about these things though–– I felt it was important to take that learning and use it to help people." “I didnʼt want to just learn about these things though–– I felt it was important to take that learning and use it to help people,” said Galama.
Her best piece of advice For individuals with special needs, Galama offers this advice.
“Sometimes we underestimate how important communication can be, so learn to communicate about your needs. If you can help someone understand your needs a little bit, it can help them turn around and help you now that they understand. If something isnʼt working for you, however, communicate that–– especially to your teachers and bosses. If people donʼt know what isnʼt working for you they canʼt even try to help you.”
SEARCH What are you looking for? Try our SEARCH ENGINE.
Galama stated that what she loves the most about being an advisor was meeting and helping the students.
1 of 2
31/01/11 11:41 AM
The Sheridan Sun Online
http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/nov_04_2010/profile_...
Payal Gupta a third year ECE student has been with accessible learning services as a student getting the help she needs to succeed, ever since she started her studies at Sheridan. “Getting the help I need in order to be successful in my program is so important to me. "I have a T.A. that helps me, but just knowing that there are individuals like the advisors in accessible learning services there, that is comforting to me.�
Payal Gupta one of the students, who uses PHOTOCOURTESY accessible learning services OF PAY AL GUPTA at Sheridan.
2 of 2
31/01/11 11:41 AM