News from Around the Region
Higher Education – Students With Disabilities
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) regularly works with, or on behalf of post secondary students with disabilities. Although many calls are from students who feel they are encountering barriers that are either architectural or programmatic, just as often, we receive calls from administrators of institutions who want to take proactive steps. We have found that communication plays the key role. Very often the administration is unaware of the existence of the barriers, and is very willing to remedy the problems once they are identified.
MOD receives many calls from students who are having difficulty receiving accommodations that have already been deemed appropriate. MOD’s advocates work with them and the administration to make sure the accommodations are put in place in a timely manner.
One university had undertaken a major renovation of a building to provide features that were architecturally pleasing, such as very tall doors and unique ramp designs. However, when people with disabilities tried to use these features, it quickly became apparent that the designs didn’t work. The tall doors were very heavy and difficult to open. The ramp designs, while aesthetically pleasing, were curved resulting in difficult slopes. MOD was able to work with the university to remedy the issues.
Many of the barriers faced by post secondary students with disabilities can be resolved when they have an opportunity to work with an advocate. MOD has the advocates and the expertise to help them.
New Hampshire
Last fall the NH Governor’s Commission on Disability, along with a number of state agencies and organizations, sponsored the first of what we hope will be many Regional Job Fairs that are accessible to people with disabilities. The Fair was held at the centrally located National Guard Armory in Concord. In addition to the Commission, the planning team consisted of the State of New Hampshire Division of Personnel, New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), New Hampshire Employment Security, New Hampshire Works, New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation (NHVR), the Concord Regional Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC).
More than 50 businesses and companies participated and over 300 potential job seekers attended. It was a huge collaborative effort that included supports such as VR counselors, job coaches, and sign language interpreters as well as Spanish interpreters. Tables were provided for potential employees to use for filling out applications on the spot.
To assist students with disabilities in entering the world of work, we are tentatively planning to collaborate with the University of New Hampshire and the NH Community Technical College System, in addition to other institutions for higher learning, to conduct training sessions on topics such as (1) whether or not to disclose a disability, (2) reasonable accommodations, (3) preparing a resume, and (4) preparing for a successful job interview.
Maine
Bowdoin College welcomed two freshman students who use wheelchairs this past fall, making it the first time the school community has counted mobility-impaired persons among its full-time students. Since last spring, when these students confirmed they would be attending Bowdoin, the College has made a number of significant accessibility improvements to the buildings on the campus.
At the request of the College, AO architects Denis Pratt and Bill Bisson performed the on-campus facilities study and accessibility designs for the improvements. To this point, the work has included constructing a ramp to the Dudley Coe Health center, modifying the seating in the VAC auditorium, adding handicap-accessible door-opening buttons to Kanbar Hall, installing handrails along the entry ramp to the dining level of Moulton Union, reducing the heights of public computer desks at a number of public campus buildings, providing better access to a number of outer campus student houses, and making public toilet room improvements throughout the campus.Improvements were strategically made to specifically accommodate the academic, social, and living needs of the two new students; further improvements are planned in the near future.
Vermont
The move to on-line information and learning creates new opportunities and responsibilities for colleges. Digital learning offers an opportunity for flexibility and personal customization, impossible with traditional dependence on print materials. Deborah Lisi-Baker, Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Independent Living recently met with administrators from Vermont Institute for Technology at Champlain College to discuss use of accessible technology and universal design principles in their on-line services for both campus-based and long distance learning.
Educational institutions are realizing that universal design makes good business sense. More colleges are looking at long distance and web based learning as a way to attract adult learners. When students with disabilities and diverse learning styles become active and successful learners, everyone benefits. Schools and their business partners increase their market base and reach new students and future job applicants. Students with disabilities need to be included at every step of the process so that their transition from college to work can be successful.
Work on inclusive design of online services is just one aspect of Vermont’s work to promote successful transitions for youth with disabilities and increased access to employment for all Vermonters. For more information about Vermont’s transition programs or the use of technology and universal design in transition planning, educational programming or employment practices, call VCIL’s I-Line at 1-800-639-1522 or connect with VCIL online at www.vcil.org
Connecticut
In the summer of 2006, the Connecticut Department of Labor released its Industries and Occupations Forecast, 2004- 2014. In reviewing this document with young adult students with disabilities in mind, issues of interest and concern arise.
The report divides employment into “industry” and “occupations”. Two areas of major industry in Connecticut that will grow significantly are the areas of Information; telecommunications; and Internet provider service. Health Care and Social Assistance, including Nursing and Residential care Facilities and Social Assistance are other high growth industries.
The report states that more than half of the 20 fastest growing occupations will require a minimum of a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree. These include computer software engineers, personal financial advisors, and physical therapists. Other occupations will require training on the job or an Associate’s degree. The highest growth occupations in general are in the professional, technical and service occupation areas.
Like any other young person preparing for an independent future, students with disabilities seek the skills and education necessary to attain and hold a job. It is incumbent upon teachers and counselors to be aware of the jobs that are going to be “out there,” and the skills that will be required. This important document tells us the types of jobs that will likely be in demand for the next ten years. Professionals working with students can and should begin checking for interests, testing abilities, visiting and possibly job shadowing potential employers to help students with disabilities have one more successful “step up” into the world of education and employment.
Rhode Island
In the State of Rhode Island, through services provided by the public colleges and universities, students with disabilities have equal access to a college education that persons without disabilities enjoy. Ann Roccio, Director of Disability Services at Rhode Island College, said that over 300 students utilize these types of services, ranging anywhere from academic and physical accommodations, to assistive technology, sign language interpreters, and note takers. There are also internships and fellowships that are geared towards people with disabilities, allowing them the important networking opportunities and great experience for a resume.”
The Rhode Island Governor’s Commission on Disabilities offers three paid fellowships for students enrolled at any Rhode Island college or university. The fellowships include the Mary Brennan Public Awareness Fellowship, the Edward J. Schroeder Legislation Fellowship, and the G. Frank Hanaway Architectural Accessibility Fellowship. All three offer a $2500 stipend to accepted candidates, as well as a great opportunity for college credit. These programs have significantly helped to level the playing field for students with disabilities, taking away unnecessary barriers that, in the past, made it difficult to pursue a college education.
