Disability Services helps accommodate all students
Having a learning disability shouldn’t hinder anyone, especially in college. It’s a fun time of various forms of exploration and shouldn’t get in the way of learning and having fun.
Registering with Disabilities Services is a helpful tool for students with a disability. Ernetta Fox, the director, is a charming woman with a welcoming Southern accent and a passion for helping students. Her office is spacious, welcoming and has a nice view of campus. She works hard to offer the best services for students registered with Disabilities.
The stigma of learning disabilities will always be around, but by advocating for students with learning disabilities, that could change.
Some of the tools used on campus by students include LiveScribe pens that record lectures, other recording devices, special books for those with dyslexia and making sure there’s fair accessibility to buildings and events for students who need it.
Learning disabilities tend to be on the down-low and the Disabilities Services Center works to maintain confidentiality while being as supportive as they can. Such support can be seen in the use of the Center on a daily basis with students coming in for exams, meetings and other services offered.
Individual testing rooms are the core of the Center. There are several small rooms that serve as exam taking rooms. Additionally, there’s one exam room with a couch for students who might need a rest during the day or any other needs they have for it.
The atmosphere in Disabilities Services is calm and welcoming. The big art piece of a jungle behind the secretary’s desk is initially calming.
Having a disability can seem debilitating or embarrassing, but Disabilities makes great efforts to make the Center seem homey and inviting.
The secretary, Pat Twedt, is welcoming and greets students with a smile no matter what. Twedt treats the students who come in with respect and cares about the well-being of those who come in.
Having a conversation with Twedt is as easy as talking to a good friend. She works hard to remember each student who comes to Disabilities, their interests, hobbies and weekend plans.
Each student registered with Disabilities Services is treated with respect and is nurtured to be the best student they can be.
Just as international students have support networks, tutoring services are available and the student athletes have their network, students with all manners of disabilities should have their own network of success.
This has been a thank you to Ernetta Fox and Pat Twedt and the other invisible people working for the success of students with disabilities.
