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ASU >> Student Affairs >> Disability Services >> Spring 2005 Newsletter

Disability Services Newsletter

• Delta Sigma Omicron
• Technology - Kurzweil 3000
• Accessible Workstations
• Student Highlight
• Accommodation Card
• Announcements

How would you like to be a part of an organization that enjoys being a part of the community, having fun, and helping others? Then Delta Sigma Omicron (DSO) is for you.

    Delta Sigma Omicron is a student organization that focuses on promoting positive awareness of disabilities. Delta Sigma Omicron (DSO) also presents opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in activities in the community.

     We have accomplished a lot this past semester, with our Homecoming Tailgate Party, Thanksgiving baskets for students, toys for eight baby angels, and volunteering for the Salvation Army with their Angel Tree Program, and so much more. DSO also co-sponsored the Wheelchair Basketball Tournament and the Technology Fair annually.

     In the last year, DSO membership has doubled. We are looking forward to a bright Spring semester with many activities to come.

     Membership is open to all students. Prospective members must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. The membership form can be downloaded from our website: http://disability.astate.edu/delta.html. For questions, contact (870) 972-3964.

In the previous newsletter, we covered various software that supported the scanning and reading of textbooks into digital text format.

   One of the most effective tools for students with Learning Disabilities is Kurzweil 3000 (K3000). K3000 is a very versatile software that serves as an all in one learning tool. First, scan the book or any article, then the software will read the text. The software greatly improves reading comprehension. What distinguished K3000 from any other scan and read software is it’s natural human voice. The software utilizes a computerized speech engine that is more similar to a human voice and therefore is easier to listen to.

     K3000 comes with a built-in dictionary and word prediction. As you type each letter, K3000 will predict the word you are wanting to type.  K3000 also provides many great learning tools. You can highlight certain digital text with colorful highlighters, insert notes and voice notes on any part of the text. K3000 is a very effective study partner. You can extract the text that you highlight and make your own study guide.

   K3000 was featured during the Technology Fair, held on October 27, 2004. The Fair drew over 400 participants. K3000 software is installed in several computers located in the Library R.242, CSM R.102, and Chickasaw R.410. For more information about using K3000, come by the Disability Services Office.

Accessible computers loaded with various specialized software are currently available in several locations on campus: Dean B. Ellis Library R. 242, Wilson Hall Language Lab R. 317, College of Education R. 209, Smith Center R. 218, Science and Math building R. 102, Nursing Audio Visual Lab R. 302, Business R. 201, and Chickasaw R. 410.

Every semester, DS newsletter will highlight a student with a disability who is active in the community and has major accomplishments. In this edition, we have highlighted Ms. Cecilia Alexander. 

    Ms. Alexander is currently a sophomore at ASU.  She is majoring in Social Work and Psychology and has maintained a 3.2 overall GPA. 

     She is the recipient of the Single Parent Scholarship and the Student Support Services Scholarship at ASU.  Her career goal is to obtain masters in Social Work and Psychology. She is interested in becoming a Play Therapist. A Play Therapist is a special counselor who works with children utilizing various structured games and cooperative play.    

     Ms. Alexander is also very involved in public service in the community.  She is an active volunteer for Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, the Salvation Army, and Southwest Church of Christ. She also serves on the Disability Committee of the Student Government Association, as well as, serving as Vice President of Delta Sigma Omicron (a national greek-letter organization).

    In an ongoing effort to better serve our students, Disability Services continues to implement new programs that enhance interaction between ASU faculty and students with disabilities.  Disability Services is committed to providing students with the best service possible. To this end Horace Bailey, a graduate intern, and Shelia Sanders, under the supervision of Mr. Leo Glover, helped to developed an Accommodation Card that will be used during the Spring 2005 at ASU.

     With this card we hope to make it easier for instructors to recognize our students and accommodate their needs accordingly.  The card will be personalized for each student and their individual accommodations will be listed on the back of the card.  Instead of sending out letters every semester, the students will be able to present their cards to their faculty members. 

* Scholarships —  Many scholarships are available for students with disabilities. Drop by Disability Services office to pick up an application. The application should be completed and returned to DS by Feb. 25, 2005.  

* New Staff — Disability Services welcomes a new staff member, Lori Moore. Ms. Moore serves as the Notetaking Coordinator and works with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students. Lori is a great asset to the department and the Division of Student Affairs.

* Priority Registration — Students qualified for this accommodation can enroll for classes a week before seniors and graduate students. Priority registration is limited to only one week. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with the registration dates.

* PEPNet Teleconference — February 17 at 12:30 pm — 3:30 pm. ”Defining English Language Development and Deafness: Language and Literacy Programs for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in Educational Settings”. Topics: Language development and hearing loss, student assessment and class placement, and educational interpreters role in developmental classes. For more information call 972-3964.        

·          Last day to add a class: January 16

·          Teleconference: February 17

·          Midterm exams: February 22-28.

·          Spring Break: March 14-18.

·          Last day to drop a course: March 25.

·          Final Exams: April 27– May 3.

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This newsletter is also available in printed format.

Editor: Christina Laurentia