My name is Erica. I am a college sophomore with low vision taking a multimedia and design course. I use screen magnification software to access electronic information on the computer.
Dan is a sophomore living on the fourth floor of Johnson Hall. He has paraplegia and uses a wheelchair.
Dan had a concern about a recent fire drill that occurred in his residence hall. On the night of the drill, he was not notified. He saw the flashing signs and heard the alarm and assumed it was an actual fire. He was distressed because during the entire drill, no one came to assist him. When he reported his concerns to dorm staff, they showed little interest.
My name is Amy. I have a speech impairment, although my speech is clear enough to be understood by most people. I am a high school senior, and I plan to attend a local community college after I graduate.
I went to the community college admissions office to get some help with my application. I was immediately referred to the college's disabled student services office.
Libraries should take steps to assure that their facilities, resources, and services are accessible to patrons with disabilities. To prepare library staff to work with individuals who have disabilities, address the following questions:
Many employers are aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are interested in employing students with disabilities. Career counselors, cooperative education staff, and internship coordinators can work with employers to make successful placements for students with disabilities. The following suggestions may assist you in working with employers as you place students with disabilities:
My name is Sue and I have low back problems. I attend college on a large urban campus and use a motorized scooter for mobility.
Because of the size and design of my scooter, I cannot reach the door handle of my geology classroom door without assistance.
Student services organizations often host presentations, career fairs/exhibits, and interviews between students and employers. These activities should be designed so that they are accessible to all students, including students with disabilities. Provide them in a wheelchair-accessible location with accessible restrooms nearby.
You can create a more accessible campus tour by incorporating the following suggestions into your tour plans:
Universal design is the process of creating products that are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, disabilities, and other characteristics. Universally designed products accommodate individual preferences and abilities; communicate necessary information effectively (regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities); and can be approached, reached, manipulated, and used regardless of the individual's body size, posture, or mobility.
Although each situation is different and the student is the best source of information regarding useful accommodations, the following accommodations are typical for a student with blindness: