The Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) hosted their 50th Anniversary Awards and Appreciation Reception on April 29th, 2022 at the Kellogg Center. This reception recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of scholarship recipients, exceptional faculty and staff, and generous donors supporting the RCPD mission. The reception welcomed 86 in-person attendees and 66 viewers virtually. 14 students were awarded with scholarships that totaled over $63,000.
The Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) demonstrates leadership through providing students, faculty, and guests with the latest disability technology, resources, and services through its implementation of Signature Programs. These programs, made possible with the support of dedicated staff, generous donors and committed volunteers, exemplify the RCPD’s mission to maximize ability and opportunity for students, faculty and staff.
Dr. Jonathan Weaver, Assistant Professor and Director of Online Learning in the MSU Psychology Department, is the recipient of the 2022 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.
The Michigan State University Council of Students with Disabilities (CSD) recently hosted their 6th annual Adaptive Sports Day: Sports & Recreation for All Abilities on April 2, 2022 at Demonstration Hall.
Shantele Wilkinson, front desk reception assistant for the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, was awarded the MSU Student Employee of the Year Award on April 12, 2022. Shantele has been a front desk student receptionist for the RCPD since September 2019 and has served as a pillar of support for anyone who has entered the office doors.
Every year, the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities recognizes the dedication and leadership of notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their field. The achievements of these alumni represent the importance of education and innovation. This year, Dr. Chad Klochko, M.D., was nominated by Virginia Martz, RCPD Ability Access Specialist, to receive this prestigious award.
The RCPD is committed to improving the lives of students and staff across campus and beyond, and we are looking for additional individuals who share our passion and dedication.
Mandy Zuckerman, Tower Guard alumna from the class of 2020-2021, will be receiving the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities 2022 Student Leadership and Service Award for her contributions towards making Beaumont Tower more accessible.
We continue to remain saddened by the loss of our dear colleague, friend, and your mentor/specialist, Caleb Sandoval. Experiencing a loss is never easy and we recognize that it can impact everyone very differently. We are here to support you in any way we can.
Congratulations on your recent admission to MSU! Admission is an exciting time for families and students alike. Students are eager to affirm their new Spartan identities and many identify the RCPD services, community and Perspective on Ability as essential in their choice to join the Spartan community. Team RCPD is eager to help families get started with their Spartan experience.
The MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities developed the Braille Technology Advantage Program in Fall 2020 to help students who are blind succeed in their education. The program continues to benefit students through its wide breadth of services and use of the braille technology, including the Focus Blue Electronic Braille Display Device.
Announcing Spartan Study sessions for Spring 2022! This is an opportunity for RCPD students to find tutoring and study assistance with their classes from other MSU students in a peer-educator/study group format. Hosted by members of MSU's Tower Guard honor society, these weekly study sessions will cover various commonly requested subjects, outlined below.
MSU RCPD participated in two notable giving activities during this holiday season: one to support a local family, and the other to assist the families affected by the Oxford High School shooting.
This year’s Tower Guard class took the opportunity to spread holiday cheer at Sparrow Hospital through hosting a donation drive for the pediatric patients who would be spending their holidays at the hospital.
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.
Earlier this semester, the Michigan State University Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) hosted its annual BOND Transitions Program! The event was a great success and significantly helped MSU students with autism adjust to life on campus.
Announcing Spartan Study sessions for Fall 2021! This is an opportunity for RCPD students to find tutoring and study assistance with their classes from other MSU students in a peer-educator/study group format. Hosted by members of MSU's Tower Guard honor society, these weekly study sessions will cover various commonly requested subjects, outlined below.
Every year, Homecoming Court recognizes the brightest and most exemplary leaders of the senior class at Michigan State University. These students are hand-selected to represent the diverse student body at MSU through attending various events. The 2021 Court consisted of 10 students, two of which were Tower Guard alumni. Maddy Niblock, secretary of the Tower Guard Class of 2019-2020, and Eliot Haddad, general member of the Tower Guard class of 2019-2020, represented the prestige of Tower Guard through their time on Homecoming Court.
The MSU RCPD recently welcomed Tanya Adams to the MSU/MRS Careers Collaborative! Tanya will be filling the position of Michigan Rehabilitative Services (MRS) counselor on the MSU campus.