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| Diversity: Disability |
| Being a student with a disability at GVSU can be a challenging experience. According to some advocates for the disabled many of the "special" resources that individuals with disabilities need are the result of "bad social planning" and based on the assumption that everyone is young, strong, and healthy. This attitude may force you to request "services" in order to complete your education. To identify yourself as having a disability may require you to divulge personal information to individuals who may not care and / or be supportive. This can be embarrassing and at times, a humiliating experience.
Having a disability is sometimes difficult to talk about. Many individuals in our society are afraid of becoming disabled and therefore are uncomfortable talking about the experience of being disabled. Because of this attitude, you may have experienced different forms of prejudice and rejection. At times, these experiences may seem insignificant, yet as they accumulate, may feel very draining and overwhelming.
The members of the Counseling and Career Development staff welcome the opportunity to be of assistance. We can help you identify a career direction, work on academic skills, and explore personal concerns. We also have a career resource center and offer a lending library covering many personal concerns. |
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Campus Resources
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Disability Support Services
Kathleen VanderVeen, 331-2490 |
Intercultural Council
331-2242 |
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Advising Resource Center
331-3588 |
Counseling & Career Development Center
Barbara Palombi, 331-3266 |
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Additional Resources
Heath Resource Center
(202) 973-0904, (800) 544-3284
www.heath.gwu.edu
The Heath Resource Center of the American Council on Education is the national clearinghouse of post-secondary education for individuals with disabilities. The Center serves as an information exchange about educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, and opportunities at American campuses, and other post-secondary training entities. Heath provides information on a broad range of disability-related topics such as accessibility, career development, functional limitations (including vision, hearing, mobility, and learning disabilities among others), and training materials designed to enhance the training of faculty and administrators who work with students with disabilities. |
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
(800)-526-7234
www.jan.wvu.edu
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a toll-free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations and the employability of people with disabilities. Consultants who understand the functional limitations associated with disabilities, and who have access to up-to-date information about accommodation methods, devices, and strategies answer calls. |
US Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section
(202) 307-0663, Voice and TDD
(202) 307-1198, Fax
www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/
The Disability Rights Section protects the rights of persons with disabilities under Titles I, H, and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can be contacted to obtain information about the ADA. |
Association on Higher Education and Disability
www.ahead.org
Many helpful links to different universities and programs, and to information on a range of specific disabilities. |
National Association of the Deaf
(301) 587-1789, TTY
(301) 587-1778, Voice
(301) 587-1791, Fax
e-mail addres: NADlaw@nad.org
www.nad.org
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) provides general information about deaf communities and Deaf Culture. NAD has a law center with attorneys who are familiar with specific laws that are related to accommodating deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. |
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Post-secondary Education Programs Network
www.pepnet.org
PEPnet provides technical assistance and information for institutions of higher education on serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Programs and internships can receive helpful technical assistance on designing and obtaining accommodations. Information useful in orienting instructors and supervisors to deafness is also available on this Web site. |
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