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.

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.

• 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.

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)

In this Diversity Dialogue event, Dr. Susan Burch (Middlebury College) will share from her book “Unspeakable: The Life Story of Junius Wilson”. Wilson (1908-2001) spent seventy-six years at a state mental hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina, including six in the criminal insane ward. He had never been declared insane by a medical professional or found guilty of any criminal charge, but he was deaf and black in the Jim Crow South. “Unspeakable” offers us an opportunity to reflect on powerful forces that shape American identity and community, historically and today.

Susan Burch, Ph.D. is an associate professor of American studies and director of the Center for the Comparative Study of Race and Ethnicity at Middlebury College. She has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous books, chapters, and articles in critical deaf and disability studies.

Book signing and reception following the presentation

These programs are brought to you by a Public Affairs Grant.

Participants with disabilities who may not be able to fully participate because of the instructional format or design of the program may request an accommodation by contacting the Disability Resource Center at your earliest convenience, 417-836-4192.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

8 AM-10AM “The Value of Disability Studies”
Location: Plaster Student Union, Ballroom East
Intended Audience: Faculty/Staff

10:30 AM-12:30 PM “Disability Studies Workshop
Location: Plaster Student Union, Ballroom East
Intended Audience: Faculty. staff, and student interested in developing a disability studies minor

Susan Burch, Ph.D., is an associate professor of America studies and director of the Center for the Comparative Study of Race and Ethnicity at Middlebury College. She has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous books, chapters, and articles in critical deaf and disability studies. Burch recently served as editor-in-chief of The Encyclopedia of American Disability History. She was a co-founding member of the Disability History Association and currently serves on its Board of Trustees. Burch also has served on the Advisory Board of the Society for Disability Studies. She has taught at Gallaudet University, Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic), King’s College (Aberdeen, Scotland), and Ohio State University.

These programs are brought to you by a Public Affairs Grant.

Participants with disabilities who may not be able to fully participate because of the instructional format or design of the program may request an accommodation by contacting the Disability Resource Center at your earliest convenience, 417-836-4192.

• Unit Reorganization
• Graduation Accommodations
• Spring 2012 Accommodations
• Inclement Weather Procedures
• Job Announcement: Governors Council on Disability
• Lighthouse International Scholarships
• Subscribe

Unit Reorganization

MSU is moving toward a Model of Inclusive Excellence. We are excited about the University’s strategic plan and that disability is a valued part of diversity. As a result, many changes have occurred this semester:

• Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Coopwood Sr. has been named Missouri State University’s Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion. This is a new position and a new division.
• The Disability Resource Center will now be reporting to Dr. Coopwood. Other offices under the direction of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion include: the Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance, Multicultural Student Services, TRIO Student Services, and the Multicultural Resource Center.
• Additionally, Assistive Technology Services will now report to Katheryne Staeger-Wilson, the director of the Disability Resource Center.

The DRC and ATS staff look forward to the challenges ahead in reframing disability from a negative medical malady to a positive individual difference while promoting disability pride.

Graduation Accommodations

If you are graduating and need accommodations, please contact the DRC at 836-4192 as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.

Spring 2012 Accommodations

If you are returning in the spring and want accommodations, please be sure to complete the Request for Accommodations form as soon as possible. You can stop by the office to fill one out or do it online here.

Inclement Weather Procedures

If you experience problems navigating campus due to snow and/or ice, please report it to the Work Management office at 417-836-8400 or to the Disability Resource Center at 417-836-4192.

Job Announcement: Governor’s Council on Disability

The Governor’s Council on Disability has an open position for a Disability Program Specialist. For more information, see the full job announcement.

Lighthouse International Scholarship

Lighthouse International is now accepting applications for its 2012 Scholarship and Career Awards program.  Please visit www.lighthouse.org/sca to complete the online application.

These scholarships reward academic excellence, recognize accomplishments and help students who are blind or partially sighted pursue their academic and career goals.

There are three scholarship award categories, and each carries a $10,000 prize.

College-bound Award: for high school seniors or recent high school graduates who will attend college in the upcoming school year.

Undergraduate Award: for college students in their freshman, sophomore, junior or senior year.

Graduate Award: for first or second year masters level students or college seniors who will pursue a graduate level education.

Candidates may apply at any time immediately, prior to, or during their course of study. A total of six scholarships will be awarded across these three categories.

Applicant Criteria
We are pleased to announce that the 2011 Scholarship and Career Awards are open to students in all 50 states and any US territories. Students interested in applying for a scholarship must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must be legally blind (i.e., have a best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees in the better eye).
• Scholarships are based on academic and personal achievements. Therefore, candidates are not required to demonstrate financial need.
• Applicants must be US citizens, and reside in the United States or a US Territory.
• Applicants must attend an accredited college or university in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia or a US territory.
• Proof of citizenship will be required of all award recipients.
• Previous SCA recipients and current Lighthouse employees and members of their immediate families are ineligible.

The application and all requested documentation must be submitted online no later than Friday, February 3, 2012

If you have any questions regarding the Scholarship and Career Awards program, please contact Ann Alexandrowicz at 212-821-9225 or email her at aalexandrowicz@lighthouse.org.

Subscribe

If you would like to be notified when new information is posted to the DRC blog, click on the “Subscribe to Feed” button in the right column and subscribe to the DRC blog.

DO YOU HAVE A DISABILITY? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A JOB, INTERNSHIP OR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT?

The WRP is a free program that refers students with disabilities for employment throughout the United States.

If you meet the qualifications below, please contact our office for more information and to schedule an interview with their recruiter.

November 1, 2010
8 A.M. – 4 P.M.

The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities serves individuals

• who have disabilities AND

• are enrolled at an accredited institution of higher learning on a substantially full-time basis (unless the severity of the disability precludes the student from taking a substantially full-time load) to seek a degree OR

• are enrolled at such an institution as a degree-seeking student taking less than a substantially full-time load in the enrollment period immediately prior to graduation OR

• have graduated with a degree from such an institution within the past year.
  
• Are United States Citizens.

Hosted by the Disability Resource Center
(417) 836-4192
DRC@missouristate.edu

Co-Sponsored by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Defense