Jennifer Kirk, an instructor in the MSU Biological Science Program, is the recipient of the 2023 RCPD Spirit of Ability Award. This award is given to leaders within the MSU community who are compassionate and who create welcoming and inclusive environments that provide opportunities for all.
Christina Whetsel, a College of Veterinary Medicine student (CVM), will receive the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities 2023 Student Leadership and Service Award for her contributions that bring awareness, inclusion, and accessibility to the greater MSU community.
Megan Weil, a Zoology major who graduates in May 2023, will receive the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities 2023 Student Leadership and Service Award for her contributions that bring awareness, inclusion, and accessibility to the greater MSU community.
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Sabrina Seldon, Tower Guard PR Chair
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On the morning of Saturday, March 25 hundreds gathered outside the Michigan State University auditorium despite the rainy, cold weather. Community members, faculty and students came out to support the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) which serves nearly 3,000 spartans.
Each year, the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities recognizes the accomplishments, leadership, and dedication of notable alumni. This year, Dr. Robyn Limberg, DMV, was nominated by Virginia Martz, RCPD Lead Ability Access Specialist, to receive the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Award.
In partnership with MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness and Occupational Therapist Cindy Horgan, RCPD is sponsoring two new opportunities for fitness and movement classes for MSU students with disabilities.
This annual event is hosted annually in the spring semester to raise awareness on adaptive sports and alternative ways of exercising. Participants leave the event with knowledge on new sports and a widened perspective on accessibility and inclusivity.
We are honored to announce that our very own Colleen Floyd, Ability Access Specialist with RCPD who works with neurodivergent staff and students at Michigan State, was awarded the Disability Service Provided Award. In addition to her contributions as an Ability Access Specialist, Colleen is the staff co-advisor for the Council for Students with Disabilities (CSD) and works with our staff members on expanding disability education and accessibility to the MSU community!
Spartan Ties is a fun, interactive weekly meet-up hosted by MSU’s Tower Guard student volunteers in partnership with the RCPD, providing an opportunity for students registered with the RCPD to meet new friends and try new things. No specialists, no advisors, just students! Events will cover a range of topics and locations, such as meals, casual conversation, and stress reduction.
Two institutions, who are rivals, come together each year on the eve of the Michigan vs. Michigan State Football game to honor one great person, Alex Powell, and for one great cause—Alex’s Great State Race (AGSR).
Today is International Women’s day, a day to recognize the fight against gender and sex based oppression that is deeply rooted in society. The day celebrates women, past and present, that have fought for their place in the world. For women with disabilities, not only have they had to fight against the patriarchy, but also against the oppression of those with disabilities. The history of the world is marked by all shapes and sizes of women, below are only some of those with disabilities.
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Danielle Atangana, Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellowship Recipient
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Danielle Atangana is the recipient of the RCPD 2021 Katrina Tagget Memorial Fellowship who studied abroad in Dubai over winter break of 2022. Danielle shares a snapshot of her experience while in Dubai below:
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Tanya Adams, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Careers Collaborative
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The robust turn out for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion fair is indication of a growing hunger from all angles for acknowledging the impact identity and belonging have in a work setting.
On January 19, 2023, just as the new semester started, Tower Guard announced a new event for RCPD students called “Syllabuster.” This event was created for RCPD students to help break down the new semester's class syllabi and help set students up for a successful semester. This event was hosted at the MSU main library in the evening and welcomed any students. There were a few Tower Guard members there to help assist in any way.
As we reflect on February as Black History Month it is important to include Black Disability History. Throughout the history of the United States there have been many influential Black people with disabilities who shaped our history.
The Abilities, Opportunities and Future of Work Podcast is co-produced by the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Eli Broad College of Business with the objective of providing an opportunity to showcase best-in-class practices on burning issues related to how workforce with disabilities can be integrated highlighting firms, community organizations, not-for-profits and other state organizations that are doing outstanding work in integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce and allow them to share their “stories.” The Podcast aims to fill the gap on democratizing best-in-class practices with the broader disability community that can help facilitate employment of individuals with disabilities, This is the first episode of a two-part episode.
These workshops will be offered at the same time as the standard workshop and count towards your completion of the program. This workshop defines gender-based violence, explains university policies, and highlights resources available on campus and in the community with a specific focus on providing a sensory-friendly learning environment and experience.
The MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities welcomed James Madaski in January 2023, to our team as an ability access specialist serving people with neurodivergent needs.
Spartan Ties is a fun, interactive weekly meet-up hosted by MSU’s Tower Guard student volunteers in partnership with the RCPD, providing an opportunity for students registered with the RCPD to meet new friends and try new things. No specialists, no advisors, just students! Events will cover a range of topics and locations, such as meals, casual conversation, and stress reduction.