2008 Woodie Awards
An investment in learning and society
Jeff Wolfley ; Mass Communication Student
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: Life
ISU students whose disabilities substantially limit their activities find support through the ADA Resource Center. This support system helps individuals reach maximum independence toward their personal, academic, and vocational goals. ADA participants become viable contributors to society and, during their lifetime, they significantly repay society's investment.
ISU's ADA Center makes a reality of the 1990 American Disabilities Act. This act, signed into law by President George H. W. Bush, prohibits discrimination based on disability. The act defines disability as "a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities." The ADA center provides qualified individuals with equal access to education, recreation and social activities.
Anee is an ISU student who has Cerebral Palsy. Although she stands out because of her need for a wheelchair, most students have never thought about the challenges that she faces each day. Attending college is Anee's primary goal but she says that without the ADA Disabilities Resource Center "a college education would be more difficult."
Anee is encouraged by ADA principles and resources to strive for independence and to reach her educational and personal goals. She says that "living alone and so far away from family is not really that challenging; I want my independence, just like other college students. . .I don't like depending on people to get stuff done. . . I like doing it myself whenever possible."
The arrangements that ADA provides Anee and others include: wheelchair seating arrangements in class, test proctors, special test-taking arrangements, and in-class note takers.
Todd DeVries, Assistive Technology Coordinator, provides ADA students with technical support. He works with about 100 students, providing everything from student testing, writing Braille, audio textbook preparation, and other support services. As DeVries comments, "People with disabilities approach life a little differently, but we still want to be productive and contribute to society."
ISU's ADA Center makes a reality of the 1990 American Disabilities Act. This act, signed into law by President George H. W. Bush, prohibits discrimination based on disability. The act defines disability as "a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities." The ADA center provides qualified individuals with equal access to education, recreation and social activities.
Anee is an ISU student who has Cerebral Palsy. Although she stands out because of her need for a wheelchair, most students have never thought about the challenges that she faces each day. Attending college is Anee's primary goal but she says that without the ADA Disabilities Resource Center "a college education would be more difficult."
Anee is encouraged by ADA principles and resources to strive for independence and to reach her educational and personal goals. She says that "living alone and so far away from family is not really that challenging; I want my independence, just like other college students. . .I don't like depending on people to get stuff done. . . I like doing it myself whenever possible."
The arrangements that ADA provides Anee and others include: wheelchair seating arrangements in class, test proctors, special test-taking arrangements, and in-class note takers.
Todd DeVries, Assistive Technology Coordinator, provides ADA students with technical support. He works with about 100 students, providing everything from student testing, writing Braille, audio textbook preparation, and other support services. As DeVries comments, "People with disabilities approach life a little differently, but we still want to be productive and contribute to society."
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