As we strive to make changes in how we perceive disability, we felt it was important to have core values to guide us to reframe disability and support our office mission statement. In 2005, Disability Services changed the mission of the office to reflect the new philosophy we were trying to incorporate. Ever since, our staff has tried to reframe disability and the services we provide, attempting to focus more on how we proactively design our learning environments. You can see some of the changes we have made in the past that reflects the beginnings of this paradigm shift.

We welcome others to use the core values when they think about disability and diversity in their own work. Below are the adopted core values.

• Human variation is natural and vital in the development of dynamic communities.
• Disability is a social/political concept that includes people with a variety of conditions who share common experiences.
• Inclusion and full participation are matters of social justice.
• Design is powerful and profoundly influences our daily lives.
• Universal design is essential for achieving inclusion and full participation.
• Creating usable, equitable, sustainable, and inclusive environments is a shared responsibility.

Welcome to new students and welcome back to returning students! It is hard to believe the fall semester is already here. Check out the August newsletter to get caught up with changes and upcoming events on campus.

In this issue:

• Policy Changes from the Registrar’s Office
• H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information
• Legacy Day
• Semester Reminders
• And more…

Click here to go to the newsletter. Have a great fall semester!

Katheryne, Director of Disability Services, has been selected as a participant in the Project ShIFT grant. Click here for more information.

We would like to congratulate Professor Janice Hendrix for being the 2009 recipient of the SUCCESSability award. The SUCCESSability Award is a student driven award that recognizes outstanding faculty and staff for creating a welcoming and accessible environment on campus.

We would also like to recognize and congratulate those who were nominated for this award.

Dr. Paris Depaepe
Dr. John Schmalzbauer
Michelle Hulett
Dr. Mary Harges

Scheduling Final Exams

If you are approved for out-of-class testing and would like to take your final exam in the Disability Services office, please contact us at 417.836.4192 as to schedule those exams. Finals week is one of our busiest testing weeks so, in order to be sure that you are able to receive the best possible accommodations, please schedule your final exams as soon as possible.

Please remember to discuss all testing arrangements with your professors before contacting our office to schedule.

Accommodations for Commencement

If you will be graduating this semester or this summer, please let us know as soon as possible if you will need any accommodations for commencement.

Register with DS for Summer/Fall Semester

If you will be requesting accommodations for the summer or fall semester, please register with Disability Services as soon as possible. You can come by the office in the PSU, 405 to complete the form or you can complete the online form.

Summer/Fall Accommodations

If you are concerned about accommodations for labs, internships, practicums or any of  your courses, please call Disability Services at 417.836.4192 to schedule an appointment with Katheryne to discuss these needs.

If you are approved for and will be requesting alternative textbooks for the summer or fall semesters, please let us know as soon as you have registered so we can begin the ordering process. Remember that sometimes it can take a while to recieve books after they have been ordered so let us know about this as soon as possible.

Delta Alpha Pi Initiation Ceremony

We would like to congratulate the eight new Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society members who were initiated during this month’s ceremony. A new leadership team was also established as former Delta Alpha Pi President, Brenda Manasco, presented everyone with a vision on what the future holds for Delta Alpha Pi. We are excited to see where Delta Alpha Pi is going to progress and look forward to hearing many positive things regarding its future. Disability Services would like to thank Brenda for her many years of service to Delta Alpha Pi, and congratulations to all new members!

Missouri Career Center Job Posting

This information was shared with us and we would like to pass it on to you.

The City of Springfield, Missouri Career Center is looking for a Workforce Development Specialist. In this position, you would be performing a variety of career counseling work for individuals seeking jobs and services through Missouri Career Center.

For more information,  you can stop by Disability Services to look at the more detailed job description and required qualifications or you can call the Missouri Career Center at 417.887.4343.

Beginning April 1, 2009, students will begin using the new Banner registration system to register for Fall 2009 classes. If you have difficulty registering, you can contact the Registrar’s help line @ 836-6640.

Accommodations for Commencement

If you are graduating this semester and need accommodations for the Commencement ceremony, please contact Disability Services at 417.836.4192 as soon as possible.

Summer and Fall 2009 Accommodations

Registration for the summer and fall semesters will begin soon. If you have alternative text or interpreting services as accommodations, please contact Disability Services as soon as possible to let us know you have registered so that we can begin securing these services for you.

Also, if you have any courses or internships and are concerned about accommodations, contact Disability Services as soon as possible to schedule and appointment with Katheryne.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarship offers thirty scholarships from $3,000 to $12,000. If you are interested in applying for one of these scholarships, please contact Mr. Anil Lewis, Scholarship Chairman, at scholarships@nfb.org. The application is available online at www.nfb.org/scholarships and is due by March 31, 2009.

Missouri Council of the Blind Scholarships

The Missouri Council of the Blind is offering scholarships to students entering college and those already working on a degree. For more information and applications, visit www.moblind.org or call 800-342-5632.

The Southwest Center for Independent Living is hosting a fieldtrip to the Capitol.

What: Fieldtrip to the Capitol in Jefferson City
When: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Time: 7AM – 7PM
Cost: Free, including meals
Details: Capitol Tour, Learn, Meet Legislators, Rally

If you are interested in this fieldtrip, please contact Nathan @ 886-1188 or nzoromski@swcil.org by March 6th.

It is time again for the SUCCESSability Award. If there is a faculty or staff member that goes above and beyond to make your learning environment accessible, you should nominate them for the SUCCESSability Award. Click here to review the criteria and nominate a faculty or staff member.

Nomination Deadline: March 9, 2009

The Southwest Center for Independent Living (SCIL) is hosting Prom 2009 – An Evening of Enchantment! This is for youth, ages 14-22. There will be appetizers, beverages, games, prizes and of course music and dancing. Limited transportation available on first come first serve basis.

This is hosted by the Southwest Center for Independent Living. If you have questions, comments or want to RSVP, contact Nathan @ (417) 886-1188 or nzoromski@swcil.org.

An Evening of Enchantment
Friday, May 22, 2009
7:00PM – 9:00PM
@ St. John’s Cancer Center
Community Auditorium
2055 S. Fremont Ave. in Springfield