Madison Access May 2017

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Disability in the Community Dukes Inspire: DAW 2017 Axis Dance Company Ken Rutherford Feature Inclusivity for Disability Farewells

OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES Student Success Center, Suite 1202 738 S Mason St Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Phone/TDD: 540-568-6705 Fax: 540-568-7099 E-mail: disability-svcs@jmu.edu

Design by Atika Chadha

COMMUNITY A Written by KATHRYN RATHGEBER, HALEY LIPTON, AND JESS GARMER

s another Disability Awareness Week arrived, we found ourselves once again impacted by our community members in the best way possible. The theme for the 8th annual Disability Awareness Week, “Dukes Inspire...”, demonstrated that JMU is a community which promotes advocacy, recovery, and resilience. As our community became involved in this week’s events, we learned the impact that Dukes truly inspire as we come together.

The week was a testament to the support and engagement that thrives within our community, from collaboration within the Office of Disability Services staff, volunteers, students, and community partners who made these events possible.

OPEN HOUSE The Office of Disability Services started the week with an Open House that gave participants the opportunity to tour the space and learn about the wide array of services and department areas within it, including Learning Strategies Instruction (LSI), Accessible Media, and Screening & Referral. Hors d’oeuvres were served, and door prizes were given to winners of an informational treasure hunt!

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Community | Disability Awareness Week May 2017

Community | Disability Awareness Week May 2017

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DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK 2017 KEN RUTHERFORD The keynote event, held in Wilson Hall, featured Dr. Ken Rutherford, a JMU Professor and the Director of the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery. Dr. Rutherford, a member of the Harrisonburg community, lost his legs as the result of a landmine in 1993, while he was working for the International Rescue Committee in Somalia.

Dr. Rutherford spoke openly about the reality of living with a disability with the audience.

His message that everyone has the power to make a difference in the world inspired the audience, and we believe this message will be carried forward for years to come.

DOCUMENTARY: “THE REBOUND” “It’s all about how you rebound”. That is the takeaway for audience members watching the documentary “The Rebound,” an award winning film produced and directed by JMU

alumni, Shaina Koren and Mike Esposito.

The film follows the Miami Heat Wheels, a wheelchair basketball team in their quest for a national championship, featuring players Mario Moran, Jeremie “Phenom” Thomas, and Orlando Carrillo. After the viewing, audience members had the opportunity to ask the producer, director, and National Wheelchair Basketball Association players their questions. Following the movie, participants headed over to UREC for a wheelchair basketball workshop. Participants had the opportunity to experience wheelchair basketball drills and gameplay alongside students, faculty, Charlottesville Cardinals wheelchair basketball players, and the producer and director of “The Rebound”!

Participants enjoyed giving one of UREC’s sport wheelchairs a try as they challenged themselves on the court. There was dribbling, points scored, and fun!

This event would not have been made possible without the collaboration from our partners in the Department of Kinesiology and the HART School of Hospitality, Sport, and Recreation Management. Thank You! D.A.W. COOKING DEMONSTRATION If you hadn’t told me that the Ropa Vieja I ate on March 29th was not only devoid of all of the “Big 8” allergens, but was achievable on a college student’s budget and didn’t come out tasting like boiled shoe leather, I would have never known. Hosting the event were Chef Rob and dietician Hannah Jehring of Dining Services. Hannah taught about the importance of macro-nutrients and balancing protein vs. fats, while Chef Rob showed us techniques for properly cutting an onion (not your fingertips) as well as how the featured dish could be a collaborative effort shared between friends. The meal itself was scalable, meaning you could cook 5 pounds or 1 pound of meat with a similar level of effort. It could also be prepared ahead and portioned out to save even more time while still retaining nutritional value – imagine final exams week, an

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Disability Awareness Week May 2017

empty fridge and the lure of a delivered pizza.

Cooking can be such an informative and inclusive process, and this was the perfect event to showcase what can happen when a community comes together. As someone who doesn’t have to worry about food allergies, intolerances or other dietary restrictions, I am usually free to eat whatever I want. I can’t imagine what it must be like to have to constantly be alert. So, I am incredibly thankful for this learning experience!

Self- Care Station For DAW 2017, the Office of Disability Services was able to collaborate with the JMU Counseling Center to provide a workshop on self-care.

This content applies to everyone and it is important to note that regardless of disability, we all experience stress that can be alleviated by implementing self-care strategies. Many students were attracted to our event because of Frances the therapy dog, but other stations included aromatherapy, Mandala coloring, playdoh, and self-care scheduling.

CAMMO TRAINING JMU faculty and staff from various departments came together to learn how to use the resources built into Microsoft Office 2013 to create materials that are accessible to people with disabilities!

LIBRARY RESOURCE DISPLAY Throughout the month of March, Carrier Library displayed a variety of books, videos, and other resources about disabilities, in honor of ODS’ 8th annual Disability Awareness Week.

We hope that the display provided library patrons with a greater understanding of disability topics at JMU and in the world as a whole!

Disability Awareness Week May 2017

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Resilience | Axis Dance Company May 2017

AXIS DANCE AXIS DANCE COMPANY

by HANNAH YATES photos by RICHARD FINKELSTEIN

In March of this year, the AXIS Dance Company, a mixed ability dance troupe, visited JMU. This experience was made possible through the collaboration of The Office of Disability Services, the School of Theatre and Dance, the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, and other campus partners.

Through dance, AXIS told real world stories about disability that captivated and moved the audience. The dancers movements displayed reliance and unwavering trust with one-another, and a message of self-acceptance.

Along with performing in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, AXIS held several workshops in the community. The most memorable workshop took place at Stone Spring Elementary School, where the dancers interacted with the students, and explained the concept of accessibility. AXIS Dance reflected Stone Spring’s richly diverse student body, both in race and disability. Elementary school students, JMU students and staff, veterans, and community members alike benefitted

Resilience | Axis Dance Company May 2017

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NO STEPS TOUR

by HALEY LIPTON

In the JMU Office of Disability Services, advocating for an inclusive and accessible campus is at the forefront of our mission. The office is thrilled to announce that this component of our work has been extended to prospective students. The JMU Office of Admissions has relocated to Madison Hall and, because of this, new tour routes have been written. As these new tour routes were crafted and tested, a team of Admissions Advisors and Student Ambassadors made the decision to ask all Student Ambassadors to lead their tours without the use of steps. Although it was wonderful to provide a no-steps option in the past, there was still a chance that prospective students and families would feel excluded, isolated, or embarrassed by requesting that option. By ensuring that each tour is now the same, people with disabilities are spared the pressures of picking a specific tour group.

This new method of operation exemplifies the concept of Universal Design. As a Student Ambassador and a Peer Access Advocate for the Office of Disability Services, I am ecstatic to celebrate this milestone in JMU’s efforts to cultivate a welcoming space for all.

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Advocacy | No Steps Tour May 2017

KEN RUTHERFORD

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KEN RUTHERFORD FEATURE

by CARLY SCHREINER

uring the JMU Office of Disability Services’ annual Disability Awareness Week, we were lucky enough to have one of our own JMU faculty share his story. Ken Rutherford, Political Sciene Professor and Director of the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR), spoke on how he became a landmine survivor, as well as a double amputee. However, what made Ken’s speech so profound was that he hardly spoke about himself. He spoke only of the gratitude he had in his heart for being alive and well to-

“[He] perfectly combined both the passion of foreign and humanitarian service with disability rights advocacy,”

that has always interested me; Ethnic cleansing and the targeting of civilians as a war tactic left Sarajevo in complete destruction and ruins only 21 years ago. Ken’s recount of his trip with Princess Diana to Sarajevo to aid in the landmine crisis fascinated me; to hear about that event through his perspective made me realize we all have it within us to make a tangible impact on those that surround us. He reminded us that there is a reason we came out to hear him that night: our passion and our hearts were already there, but it was his speech that showed us the worth of our feelings towards these humanitarian crises is only measured through our actions.

This statement not only reenergized me to keep advocating for those who are victims today of civilian violence, but also served as a reminder of why I work at ODS. Helping my fellow dukes with varying abilities to have an inclusive and accessible JMU experience has been a great responsibility. Ken left us with so much wisdom: to never be afraid to speak out in times of injustice towards others, bring light to issues that are often overlooked by the public, and to always be thankful for what you have. Moving forward this week, I hope everyone in attendance left this event as impassioned and humbled as I was.

day and to have such an amazing family and country where all of his specialized medical needs are met. With that, Ken formed his main points by showing us that those who are victims of landmines outside of our country are not so lucky, and even if you survive, the prognosis for the rest of your life is one of immobility, suffering, and exclusion.

Monday night was the first time I had ever listened to someone speak while perfectly combining both the passion of foreign and humanitarian service with disability rights advocacy. The Bosnian War is something Advocacy | Ken Rutherford Feature May 2017

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INCLUSIVITY As a part of Disability Awareness Week 2017, we highlighted a JMU faculty or staff member who has made a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities on our campus. The theme of Disability Awareness Week 2017 was “Dukes Inspire”, the faculty and staff shared what inspires them to work towards an accessible and inclusive campus and community at JMU. Here are a few highlights from the week.

Robert Weese from Facilities Management works to make our campus accessible because he wants “to encourage the community that there is an equal opportunity for all.

There should be effort from our campus to help get answers/solutions.

My personal challenges with my family and my own disabilities have made me want to be involved, so I can help others and answer or make things easier.”

Valerie Schoolcraft, the Director

of ODS, works to make our campus inclusive because she “loves supporting people in pursuit of their dreams.”

| Staff Information 10 Farewells May 2017

Michael O'Fallon, a professor

of Hospitality, Sport & Recreation Management, works to make our campus inclusive because he believes “We are all born with challenges. It is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Dr. Erika Kancler, a

professor of Health Sciences works to make our campus inclusive because she believes “We all have unique needs”.

Farewells May 2017

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FAREWELLS Allison Palmer

Senior IDLS - Exceptional Education Major Accessible Media Student Assistant As my time working in ODS comes to an end, I am so thankful for all that I have learned throughout my two years here. As a future teacher, I have gained valuable skills that I will utilize in order to make my classroom accessible for all students. I’m so glad I could spend my time at JMU making class materials accessible for my fellow dukes, and to have had the opportunity to work in an office that celebrates diversity. I have obtained knowledge and skills here that are applicable to so many areas of my life, and I will take what I’ve learned with me to future endeavors.

Sandra Richie

Senior IDLS - Elementary Education Major Accessible Media Student Assistant I came to ODS just looking for a part-time job, and what I found was meaningful work, endless learning opportunities, and the best work family a girl could ask for. Working with Accessible Media is mostly a behind the scenes job, but I quickly learned that it is incredibly important work. During my time with AcMe, I learned so much about the necessity of accessibility and universal design. (I also learned a lot about troubleshooting finicky computer programs). I’m thankful for the love and support in the AcMe family and in the larger ODS family. It’s been wonderful working with you all.

Kayla Barker

Senior Sociology Major Accessible Media Student Assistant ODS has been one of the constants in my life for the past three years. ACME has never failed to provide me with smiles and companionship. It is interesting to look back at the Kayla who started working for ODS three years ago. I have grown and become more aware of myself and the world around me thanks, in huge part, to the people here at ODS and the work we all push to do every day. Thank you for sharing your passion and compassion surrounding the world of different abilities. I will carry it with me always.

Atika Chadha

Junior Graphic Design Major Graphic Designer ODS has been such a nurturing work environment for me these past two years. I truly learn something new every day I work here. It’s been an amazing feeling to see the design team ideas come together during Disability Awareness Week and to see the impact Dukes and ODS staffers have on one another. I’ve met so many kind and helpful people at my time here. I learned so much about universal design, design for the visually impaired, and expanded my portfolio. I will continue to implement universal and ability centered design wherever I go.

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Farewells May 2017

Hannah Yates

Senior Social Work Major Social Work Intern When I first began my social work field practicum at ODS, I had no idea what to expect.

I quickly learned that ODS houses a dedicated and welcoming team of advocates who strive to empower the JMU community. ODS truly goes above and beyond to advocate for and provide accommodations to students, and I am so happy that I had the opportunity to be a part of this amazing team. Although I am sad to leave ODS and JMU, I have learned so much from my time here, and I will carry the memories and lessons into my future career.

Haley Lipton

Junior Social Work Major Peer Access Advocate I am so honored to have been a Peer Access Advocate this past year. As I list my involvements in casual conversation, I always smile the biggest when discussing my time with ODS. Working here has been one of the most significant catalysts for personal and professional development that I have come across at JMU. Each person in our office has inspired me and encouraged me to grow. I am so grateful for the beautiful team that is assembled here and all they do for those with disabilities.

Brittany Dioszeghy Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters Canidate LSI GA, Interim Practitioner, Receptionist/Office Assistant, Exam proctoring Assistant My four years in ODS have been a life-changing experience. From the position of receptionist, notetaking assistant, and exam proctoring assistant, to interim practitioner and Learning Strategies Instruction GA, my years have been full of wonderfully diverse experiences. My heart overflows with gratitude to Sandra Gulliver for bringing me into the family and becoming my life-long friend. I am also grateful to Valerie Schoolcraft for seeing potential in me and giving me opportunities to grow as a professional over the years. Finally, I am thankful for Diane Secord and her brilliant ideas, as well as her decision to make me the LSI GA; working with her has brought me great joy and inspiration this year. Four years ago, I learned from the ODS team to see the potential for growth in myself and others. I will continue to carry that perspective with me as I leave, and I can’t wait to see the ways in which ODS will continue to grow!

Farewells May 2017

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STAFF + CONTACT ODS PROFESSIONAL STAFF

GRADUATE ASSISTANTS

Valerie Schoolcraft

Fabrice Ndzana

Chris Kinney

Michael Phelan

Diane Secord

Brittany Dioszeghy

Director

Associate Director Learning Strategies Coordinator

Kathryn Rathgber Assistant Director

Christina Wulf

Accessible Media and Technology Specialist

Sandra Gulliver

Executive Administrative Assistant

Student Accommodations

Student Accommodations

Learning Strategies Instruction

Rachel Larkin

Screening and Referral

NEWSLETTER STAFF DESIGN & COPY EDITOR Atika Chadha

Amy Cook

Graphic Designer

Rebecca Macintosh

MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Humphreys

Receptionist and Office Assistant Exam Accomodations Assistant

Brennan Maupin

Visual Impairment Production Accommodation Assistant

STAFF WRITERS Kathryn Rathgeber Jess Garmer

Sarah Humphreys

Hannah Yates

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Acc. Assistant

Social Work Intern

Jess Garmer

Carly Schreiner

Notetaking Accommodation Assistant

Accessible Media

Haley Lipton

Peer Access Advocate

Scarlet Racey

Peer Access Advocate

OFFICE OF DISABILITY SERVICES Student Success Center, Suite 1202 738 S Mason St Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Phone/TDD: 540-568-6705 Fax: 540-568-7099 E-mail: disability-svcs@jmu.edu 14

Staff + Contact Information May 2017

Connect with us online!

JMU Office of Disability Services @jmudisabilityservices @JMU_disABILITY www.

jmu.edu/ods