Delta Sigma Omicron
Delta Sigma OmicronThe principal founder of Delta
Sigma Omicron was Dr. Timothy J. Nugent in concert with a courageous group of
students with disabilities, one woman and several men, most in wheelchairs and
most veterans of World War II. It was founded at the University of Illinois. The
original Board of Directors included Harold A. Scharper, Donald W. Swift, Harold
Drake, Harris Hjelter, and George Steinmann. Donald W. Swift was the first
President and Tim Nugent served as Advisor and Secretary to the Board.
Delta Sigma Omicron was an
integral part of the first comprehensive program of higher education for those
with disabilities in the world and helped promote normal education opportunities
for those with disabilities in elementary and secondary schools.
It co-sponsored the First
National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in the spring of 1949 and shared in
the growth and development of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association and
other sport activities for those with disabilities.
Throughout the years it has
contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to education and to countless
charities throughout the United States on behalf of those with disabilities.
In 1950, the publication
of Sigma Signs began, an annual publication that told of the achievements
and activities of students with severe disabilities attending the university in a
positive way. It became a strong force for motivating other individuals with
disabilities and also public and professional awareness and education. From the
beginning it has been widely distributed to hospitals, rehabilitation centers,
schools, government offices, and professionals as well as individuals with
disabilities. It now also serves as a means of keeping in touch with alumni and
friends around the world.
During the fifties, the United
States Information Agency distributed Sigma Signs to countries
throughout the world because of the high regard it had for the stories and
messages it contained. Concurrently, The Voice of America (the broadcast network
that reached around the World, including Iron Curtain Countries) interviewed
members of Delta Sigma Omicron along with faculty for programs to be aired
around the World. Although, initially, and for some years, Sigma Signs
contained only news of Alpha Chapter and its Field Chapters, it now includes
news of chapters on other campuses.
In 1957, Delta Sigma Omicron initiated a monthly newsletter, The Spokesman, which was intended to maintain communications among chapter members and to inform them of current opportunities and activities that may be of interest to them. During the early sixties varied individuals had asked for help in establishing chapters at colleges in their communities. For one brief period, there were five chapters but for lack of continuing numbers and any support from the respective institutions they did not persist.
The Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Omicron at Arkansas State University was established in January 2001.
Other chapters are:
- Alpha chapter of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Zeta chapter of University of North Caroline at Pembroke.
- Arkansas Tech University in Russellville (2006).
- Miami Dade College which was established in 2007.
- Florida A&M University in Tallahassee (2008).
Updated 10/28/08
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