Since 2006, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities has assisted other educational institutions in becoming compliant with the ADA by producing alternative format texts for individuals they service.
Seven teenagers with mobility disabilities participating in a program called Project Venture visited the campus of Michigan State University in July to learn about the importance of communication, awareness, and self-advocacy in collegiate success.
Senior Jared Talaga designed and built Accessible Garden Beds for his community garden. Jared's inspired vision has spread to neighboring MSU where is designs were used as inspiration for Accessible Garden Beds in the new \Hoophouse" at Bailey Hall."
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities' esteem status as one of the few Universities in Michigan with a US Department of Education Trio Grant program gains new global perspectives with the addition of Duha Almass to team RCPD.
RCPD students, faculty, and supporters filled the Kellogg Center with inspiration and perseverance at the 27th Annual Awards and Appreciation Reception. The afternoon celebrated 39 years of ability and opportunity, honoring numerous achievements.
The MSU Gastrointestinal Student Initiative began in January 2010 as a support group, but has expanded over time to organizing educational activities and impacting public affairs. One in 200 people are affected by GI syndromes.
Kathryn Mahoney and Piotr Pasik were once perfect strangers. Despite not knowing one another, both are athletes and both face physical challenges. Mahoney is an All-Big Ten gymnast, Pasik a graduate student who plays on several intramural teams.
Five MSU students will receive recognition from the Athletes with Disabilities Network for their admirable accomplishments and activities. Each has excelled in athletics and been exemplary of the ability to succeed despite obstacles.
For Mo Gerhardt, sports have never been far from his life, passions, or career. As a color commentator for the MSU Women's Basketball team and Spartan Sports Network, he utilizes his love of the game to make a difference in the lives of others.
McKayla Hanson’s story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity, ingenuity to solve difficult problems, and an unbeatably positive attitude. “I proved the doctors wrong,†she said.
Trips to the movies, shopping, and dinner may not sound like components of a typical college resource program; but, a new initiative at the MSU RCPD challenges norms in order to create innovative solutions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
ParaTriathlete and MSU alumnus Aaron Scheidies broke his own world record at this year's Ironman 70.3 World Championship. His success is part of a larger story of dedication and perseverance- one that MSU RCPD patrons look to for inspiration.
Tony Rennpage an MSU senior in Recreation Management rode 72 miles from Gaylord, MI to Mackinac Island this summer by hand cycle, an apparatus that enables cycling using arm power instead of legs. It's an accomplishment he won't soon forget.
Surprises don't happen too often at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. But last month's award ceremony for RCPD Director Michael Hudson was certainly a surprise for him. Michael had been awarded the MSU Outstanding Supervisor Award.
The RCPD's Assistive Technology Trainer Ben Wernette talksabout the potential for electronic books to advance accessibility for students at Michigan State. \The mass production of E-readers has made the technology more affordable and attainable"."
The RCPD recently hosted more than a dozen returning veterans and service members at the second annual MSU Student Veterans and Service Members Welcome Reception where veterans learned about on-campus resources available to them.
The MSU RCPD and Office of Supportive Services were awarded the TRIO Program funding grant that will continue the work of preparing dynamic student leaders, and innovative contributors to go out into the world and effect real change.
MSU's Aetna Student Insurance Plan will expand to include broader mental health benefits in Fall 2010, an effort applauded by the RCPD. The coverage areas include several elements that will facilitate better access to counseling, and primary care.
Thank you, Scott Durren, for your immeasurable contributions to the disability rights movement, and your extensive advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals with disabilities in the state and across the nation.