Missouri State University
Disability Resource Center
Changing how we perceive disability.

DRC Newsletter: April 2013

Keep up-to-date with the Disability Resource Center by reading our newsletter here.

In This Issue:

  • Out-of-Class Testing for Finals Week
  • New Student Organization: Bear Connect
  • President’s Council on Disability
  • Accommodations for Commencement
  • Accessible Textbooks for Summer Semester

Out-of-Class Testing for Finals Week

For students wanting to take their final exams in the Disability Resource Center, please contact our office ASAP to schedule your final exams if you have not already done so. Note that to accommodate the large number of exams that occur during finals week, final exams are scheduled Monday through Thursday at one of three times: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. Students should discuss with their instructors which time will work best with their schedules.


New Student Organization: Bear Connect

Bear Connect, the new student organization of those with disabilities, invites interested students to attend their meetings, Thursdays at 4:00p.m., on the PSU 3rd Floor. Questions? Contact president Michael Jenkins (Michael012@live.missouristate.edu) or advisor Megan Shadrick (MeganShadrick@MissouriState.edu).


President’s Council on Disability

The President’s Council on Disability is currently seeking interested students to serve on the council. Participants would represent student interests during monthly committee meetings, and bring issues of disability and access to the attention of the university. If you are interested, please contact Tim Lehmann at TimLehmann@MissouriState.edu.


 Accommodations for Commencement

Graduating students who would like to receive accommodations for their commencement ceremony should contact Mike Jungers, Dean of Students, at MikeJungers@MissouriState.edu.


Accessible Textbooks for Summer Semester

Students wanting to receive accessible/alternative textbooks for the summer semester should contact Megan Shadrick at the Access Technology Center soon so that she can have them ready for you in time. You can email Megan at MeganShadrick@MissouriState.edu or call the ATC at 417-836-4275.


We encourage you to subscribe to the DRC blog. You can also stay up-to-date with the Access Technology Center (ATC) by subscribing to the ATC blog.

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DRC Student Satisfaction Survey

The Disability Resource Center invites students registered with the DRC to complete the following short survey on their satisfaction level with our office and Missouri State University, as well as suggestions for how we can improve. Your answers will help the DRC serve as a better resource for you. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes, and participation is voluntary.

You can access the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/97SKLYL

We ask that students complete the survey by Friday, April 12, 2013. We appreciate your participation.  Physical copies of the survey are also available in the Disability Resource Center.

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DRC Newsletter: March 2013

Keep up-to-date with the Disability Resource Center by reading our newsletter here.

In This Issue:

  • Disability Cultural Event: Tekki Lomnicki
  • Roundtable Discussion on Disability
  • New Student Organization: Bear Connect
  • President’s Council on Disability
  • Accommodations for Summer Semester
  • Priority Registration
  • Dropping Classes
  • Accommodations for Commencement

Disability Cultural Event: Tekki Lomnicki

The Disability Resource Center invites students to celebrate Women’s History Month and disability pride by attending an evening of monologues with Tekki Lomnicki on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 7:00p.m. in Carrington Auditorium.

Solo performer and artistic director of Tellin’ Tales Theatre, Tekki, a person with dwarfism, believes in the healing power of stories. She is a solo performer, playwright and educator. She has devoted her craft to finding ways to incorporate her abilities and those of others to perform compelling stories. In 1995, Tekki and two friends formed Tellin’ Tales Theatre. The company, dedicated to building community through story, produces adult solo performance as well as a life-changing mentoring program and show called “Six Stories Up” featuring kids and adults with and without disabilities.

As a follow up to her evening of monologues, Tekki Lomnicki will be leading a discussion on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 7 p.m. in PSU 313. The topic will be acceptance of those with differences.


 Roundtable Discussion on Disability

The Disability Resource Center is currently engaging in a research project exploring the history of disability services and culture at Missouri State University. Part of our research includes an oral history project, which means we interview administrators, students, and alumni about their experiences at MSU with relation to disability. For current students, the DRC will be organizing a roundtable discussion later this semester to gain multiple perspectives on disability services and culture at MSU.

All students with disabilities are welcome to attend the roundtable discussion. The date and time of the discussion will be determined based on the availability of interested participants. Participation is voluntary. The Disability Resource Center would like to hear from as many voices as possible, so we highly encourage and appreciate your participation. The roundtable discussion will be audio-recorded and stored in the University Archives & Special Collections, and may be used for future research and analysis.

If you would like to participate, please email Adam Crawford, the Disability Resource Center Graduate Assistant, at adam1991_@missouristate.edu


New Student Organization: Bear Connect

Bear Connect, the new student organization of those with disabilities, invites interested students to attend their meetings, Thursdays at 4:00p.m., on the PSU 3rd Floor. Questions? Contact president Michael Jenkins (Michael012@live.missouristate.edu) or advisor Megan Shadrick (MeganShadrick@MissouriState.edu).


President’s Council on Disability

The President’s Council on Disability is currently seeking interested students to serve on the council. These students would represent student interests during monthly committee meetings, and bring issues of disability and access to the attention of council members. If you are interested, please contact Tim Lehmann at TimLehmann@MissouriState.edu.


Accommodations for Summer Semester

Students wanting to receive accommodations such as CART services, interpreters, accessible textbooks, and accessible technology for the summer semester should contact the Disability Resource Center soon so that we can ensure these will be available for you. You can email the DRC at DRC@missouristate.edu or call us at 417-836-4192.


 Priority Registration

Qualifying students should note that priority registration begins on Tuesday, April 2nd at 7:00am.


Dropping a Course

Students should be aware that the last day for dropping a course this semester is Friday, April 12.


 Accommodations for Commencement

Graduating students who would like to receive accommodations for their commencement ceremony should contact Mike Jungers, Dean of Students, at MikeJungers@MissouriState.edu.


We encourage you to subscribe to the DRC blog. You can also stay up-to-date with the Access Technology Center (ATC) by subscribing to the ATC blog.

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DRC Newsletter: February 2013

Keep up-to-date with the Disability Resource Center by reading our newsletter here.

In This Issue:

  • SUCCESSability Award 2013
  • New Student Organization: Bear Connect
  • Delta Alpha Pi Honors Society
  • Weather-Related Accessibility Issues
  • Scholarships

SUCCESSability Award 2013

Students are invited to send in their nominations for the 2013 SUCCESSability Award. The SUCCESSability Award was created to recognize a full-time faculty or staff member’s commitment toward enhancing the educational experience of students with disabilities as demonstrated by their outstanding proactive and/or innovative efforts in providing an inclusive educational environment.

Students can submit their nominations on the Online SUCCESSability Nomination Form. Students can also fill out a paper nomination form in person at the Disability Resource Center, PSU405.

Nominations are due by Tuesday, February 26, 2013.


 New Student Organization: Bear Connect

Bear Connect, a new student organization at MSU, would like to hold its first meeting very soon! The purpose of this organization is to promote educational, social, and community service opportunities for all students with disabilities. Meetings and membership are open to ALL MSU students.

If you are interested in getting involved or learning more please contact Michael Jenkins at Michael012@live.missouristate.edu


 Delta Alpha Pi Honors Society

Delta Alpha Pi, the Disability Honors Society at MSU, will soon be initiating new members. Because of the negative stereotyping associated with disability, students have been reluctant to identify themselves publicly. Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society presents an opportunity to change that perception by recognizing students with disabilities for their academic accomplishments. In addition, this honor society facilitates development of skills in leadership, advocacy and education for participating students.

Interested students should contact the Disability Resource Center via email (drc@missouristate.edu), phone (417-836-4192), or by visiting our office. For more information on the purpose, history, and admissions criteria of Delta Alpha Pi, visit the Delta Alpha Pi webpage.


Weather-Related Accessibility Issues

If you are unable to navigate campus due to snow or ice, please contact both the Disability Resource Center (417-836-4192) and Work Management (417-836-8400). We will collaborate with Work Management to remove the barrier as soon as possible.


Scholarships

Did you know that there are scholarships specifically directed toward students with disabilities? The Disability Resource Center encourages you to complete the General and Departmental Scholarship Application, through which you can automatically apply for nearly 1,000 donor-funded scholarships at Missouri State University. These include disability and diversity scholarships which you can read more about on our website:

http://www.missouristate.edu/disability/scholarships.htm

We wish you luck in applying! Remember that the application deadline is March 1, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. (CST). To complete the General and Departmental Scholarship Application, see the instructions below.

How to Access the Application:

  • Go to My.missouristate.edu and log in using your Bear Pass and Password.
  • Select the Profile Tab and find the Financial Aid Channel.
  • Select the General and Departmental Scholarship Application.
  • You will be automatically logged into Scholarship Manager (you shouldn’t be prompted for a Username or Password) and will have the option to either search through the database of scholarships or start your application.
  • You will select one of three different applications – Incoming Freshman Application, Current Undergraduate Application, or Graduate Student ApplicationSELECT ONLY ONE APPLICATION – the application that is applicable to your student type as of the beginning of the 2013 – 2014 Academic School Year.

We encourage you to subscribe to the DRC blog. You can also stay up-to-date with the Access Technology Center (ATC) by subscribing to the ATC blog.

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DRC Newsletter: October 2012

Keep up-to-date with the Disability Resource Center by reading our monthly newsletter here.

In This Issue:

  • Midterm Exams
  • Priority Registration
  • Access Technology Center Open House
  • Dropping a Class
  • Voter Registration
  • Accessible Voting
    • Curbside Voting
    • Accessible Polling Places
    • Accessible Voting Systems
    • Permanent Absentee Voting

Midterm Exams

Midterm exams are fast approaching! Don’t forget to schedule your out-of-class testing with the Disability Resource Center at least 3 business days in advance.


Priority Registration

Priority registration starts October 31st at 7am. Students who are eligible for priority registration will receive an email this week from the DRC explaining the process. Students should schedule an appointment with their advisors soon so that their accounts can be released in time for registration. Students should let the DRC know when they have registered, so we can begin coordinating accommodations for next semester.


Access Technology Center Open House

Thursday, November 1, 2012
11:00am to 2:00pm
Meyer Library 201B – 201G

The Access Technology Center will be hosting an open house on Thursday, November 1st from 11:00am to 2:00pm. MSU faculty, staff, and students will be providing demonstrations of the Assistive Technology available on campus. Visitors will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with Assistive Technology devices and software, and have the chance to ask questions of the ATC staff. If you are willing to assist with technology demonstrations please contact the ATC staff (atc@missouristate.edu).

Please note that during this time you may want to use the work station at the Bear CLAW, Glass computer lab, or Cheek computer lab if you plan to study or do homework as the lab will not be a quiet area.


Dropping a Class

If you want to drop or withdraw from a class, please remember that the deadline for full semester classes is Friday, November 9th. The deadline for second block classes is Tuesday, November 20th.


Voter Registration

Students wanting to vote in Missouri have until Wednesday, October 10th to register. Visit the Meyer Library Reference and Government Information Desk, or call (573) 751-2301, for more information.


Accessible Voting

The following information, retrieved from the Missouri Voting Rights Center, details your rights as a disabled registered voter in Missouri.

  • Curbside Voting: Voters with limited mobility can vote “curbside” or outside the polling place. Just go to your polling place and ask someone to go in and ask poll workers to bring a ballot out to you. They should bring you a ballot within a reasonable period of time.
  • Accessible Polling Places: If you have physical disabilities, and your polling place is not accessible, you may request a different polling place assignment so that you may vote in a more accessible polling place. You may also vote at a central location. Simply contact your local election authority to make this request. You can find your local election authority here or by calling (800)NOW-VOTE.
  • Accessible Voting Systems: Every polling place must have an accessible voting system for individuals with disabilities including audiovisual accessibility. Accessible systems include an audio ballot to make your selections or the ability to enlarge text so that you can read the on-screen ballot with ease.
  • Permanent Absentee Voting: If you have a permanent physical disability, you may request to be placed on a designated list so that your local election authority can automatically mail an absentee ballot application directly to you prior to each election. You will need to make this request directly to your local election authority who will send you further information.

For information on absentee voting due to a physical disability, please visit the Greene County Clerk’s Absentee Voting Webpage for more information.


We encourage you to subscribe to the DRC blog. You can also stay up-to-date with the Access Technology Center (ATC) by subscribing to the ATC blog.

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DRC Newsletter: September 2012

It’s a new school year at Missouri State University, and your Disability Resource Center staff members want to wish new students “Welcome!” and returning students “Welcome back!” This is our first monthly newsletter of the year, where you can find information on upcoming events, accommodation processes, policy changes, and opportunities on campus.

We encourage you to subscribe to the DRC blog. You can also stay up-to-date with the Access Technology Center (ATC) by subscribing to the ATC blog.


In this issue:

  • Important Dates
  • Voter Registration
  • Scheduling Exams
  • Scholarships
  • Event: “Reframing Disability: What Should We Know?”
  • Foster Recreation Center
  • Disability-Related Academic Opportunities
    • Bachelor of Arts & ASL
    • Personalized Minor in Sign Language

Important Dates

Don’t forget that the last day to drop first block classes is September 27th. First block classes end October 10th, and second block classes begin October 11th. The last day to drop second block classes is November 20th. The deadline for dropping full-semester courses is November 9th.


Voter Registration

We’re less than 60 days away from Election Day 2012. Don’t forget to register! The voter registration deadline is Wednesday, October 10th. For instructions on how to register, visit MSU’s Voter Registration Information page.


Scheduling Exams

With new semesters come new exams! Students approved for out-of-class testing can schedule to take their exams at the Disability Resource Center. Don’t forget to schedule your exams at least 3 business days in advance. This ensures that we have enough time to secure the space, technology, and materials needed.


Scholarships

There are many resources available to students with disabilities at Missouri State University, but one of the most valuable tools for any student can be financial aid to support their educational efforts.  Missouri State University supporters have created scholarships specifically for those with disabilities.

Those scholarships, their requirements, and instructions on how to apply can be found at the DRC Scholarship and Financial Aid page.


Event: “Reframing Disability: What Should We Know?”

6:30-8 p.m., PSU Theater

Part of MSU’s Public Affairs Week. This disability showcase includes a fostered conversation, student stories, an interactive trivia competition and a short film which illustrates how life would be if society’s perspectives were reversed and non-disabled people were regarded the same way the disabled community is today.

Sponsored by Public Affairs Week and the Disability Resource Center


Foster Recreation Center

The brand-new Foster Recreation Center opened its doors this Fall, and the campus community is delighted. We at the DRC are especially proud of the implementation of Universal Design in the rec center’s design and construction. The FRC is fully accessible, and we encourage all students, regardless of disability, to utilize this state-of-the-art facility.


Disability-Related Academic Opportunities

The Disability Resource Center encourages students interested in disability studies to utilize the programs offered at Missouri State University to educate themselves on disability issues. Below are a few opportunities you may not know about on campus.

Bachelor of Arts & ASL

Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree? Now you can meet your Language Requirement by taking American Sign Language (ASL) courses. Students can either take 12 hours of ASL courses or 6 hours of ASL combined with 6 hours of a foreign language. Consult with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders regarding any exceptions or substitutions.

Personalized Minor in Sign Language

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders offers a personalized minor in sign language. To obtain the minor, students take 12 hours of American Sign Language (ASL) and 6 hours of Conceptual Accurate Signed English (CASE). Contact the department head or department academic advisor for further information.

 

 

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Universal Design Seminar on Teaching Techniques

Date: Friday, March 30
Time: 12:00 noon–1:15p.m.
Location: Meyer Library 204

Seating is limited to the first 25 persons (brown bag event)

As our student population becomes more diverse with different learning styles, languages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds; our teaching methods need to reflect this move toward a model of Inclusive Excellence.

Attend this panel discussion and hear how Missouri State University faculty are transforming their courses to create inclusive, equitable learning environments for all students.

Panel Participants include:

  • Megan O’Rourke, Coordinator, Access Technology Center
  • Dr. Eric Nelson, History department
  • Dr. Marc Cooper, History department
  • Mike Frizell, Director of Student Learning Services
  • Ian Shadrick, Program Coordinator, VI & O&M programs

Please register through MyLearning Connection under the category “Professional Development—Teaching and Learning.”

If you have any questions, please contact the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) at (417) 836-3059.

 

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Newsletter: March 2012

Assistive Technology Services (ATS) Gets a New Name

Assistive Technology Services (ATS) officially became the Access Technology Center on February 28th! Please see their blog post for more information on this exciting change.


Priority Registration

Priority registration for the summer and fall 2012 semesters begins on Wednesday, March 28.


Meyer Library Gets New Lighting

Meyer Library is installing motion detected lighting throughout the library as an effort to conserve energy. The Bear CLAW is one area where this new lighting will be implemented.


 Scholarship Information

Missouri Council of the Blind

Scholarships are being offered for students who will be entering college during the school year September 2012-13 and those presently enrolled in college working toward a degree.

Guidelines and applications may be obtained at www.moblind.org by clicking on the Forms and Applications link. You can also email aa@moblind.org for an application. If you do not have access to a computer, you may write the Missouri Council of the Blind at 5453 Chippewa, St. Louis, MO 63109 or call them at (800) 342-5632 to obtain an application.

The deadline for submitting an application is May 1, 2012

The National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for its 2012 scholarship program. Through this program, blind college students are given the opportunity to apply to win one of thirty national scholarships.

All scholarship applications and documents for the fiscal year 2012 are due on March 31, 2012.

For more information visit the National Federation of the Blind website.

 

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Newsletter: February 2012

In this issue:

  • Testing Reminder
  • Using BlackBoard with a Screen Reader
  • Study Away 2012 Short-Term Program Options

Testing Reminder

If you plan to schedule your exam with the DRC this semester, please remember to do so at least three (3) business day in advance (not including the exam day). The advance notice ensures that we have enough time to schedule staff when necessary, we have an appropriate testing space available, and we are able to request and receive the exam from the instructor, so that your testing experience goes as smoothly as possible. Your cooperation with this is greatly appreciated!

Please review the Out-of-Class Testing Procedures for additional information.


Using BlackBoard with a Screen Reader

Previously, the BlackBoard link on the my.missouristate page read as “help blackboard” which made it difficult to find. This has recently been changed, and should now simply read “blackboard”.


Study Away 2012 Short-Term Program Options

Check out the short-term program offerings at http://international.missouristate.edu/studyaway/115638.htm. These programs are led by our own Missouri State faculty.

 

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2012 Legislative Education Project

The Governor´s Council on Disability and the Missouri Statewide Independent Living Council collaborate on sponsoring the Legislative Education Project (LEP) during the legislative session.

The LEP´s mission is to educate and motivate individuals by providing opportunities to become active in creating positive public policies for people with disabilities.

The LEP is available for individuals/organizations that are novice to the legislation process or need additional learning about the Missouri legislative process regarding disability policies or proposed legislation that impact people with disabilities.

To participate in the LEP, individuals or organizations will have the option of registering for either a webcast or the LEP training at the Capitol. The LEP is available to individuals or organizations. The LEP webcast will be offered as either a basic training or an advanced training.  LEP at the Capitol may be either a one-day or two-day learning experience. The two-day training provides a more intensive learning process. The individual or organizations are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their representatives or senators prior to coming to the Capitol. LEP at the Capitol is facilitated by mentors who are knowledgeable on disability policies. The mentors will escort the individuals or organizations at the Capitol.

The Governor´s Council on Disability does not charge a fee for the webcast or the training materials and information provided during the LEP.  Each participant is responsible for his or her own food, travel, and lodging expenses.

An LEP certificate of completion will be provided when the individual or organization has completed the requirements for the LEP at the Capitol.

The webcasts will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on each date. The LEP trainings will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on each date. The registration deadline for the webcasts and the LEP trainings at the Capitol is two weeks prior to each date.  Example:  The first LEP training is scheduled for January 31, 2012. The deadline for registration for that set of training dates would be January 17, 2012.

Webcasts:

Basic Level -                         February 15, 2012
Advanced Level -               March 14, 2012

LEP Training in Jefferson City:

February 14-15, 2012

February 28-29, 2012

March 6-7, 2012

March 20-21, 2012

April 17-18, 2012

April 24-25, 2012

Please register for the webcasts and the training by registering online using the following link: http://www.mo.gov/register/registration.

Please contact Laura Mueth at 1-800-877-8249 or Laura.Mueth@oa.mo.gov with any questions or concerns.

LEP Training Registration Checklist

  • Sign up online
  • List accommodations needed
  • Provide contact information (if an organization is bringing a group this is especially important)
  • Make appointments with your legislators
  • Make hotel reservations (if needed)
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