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100 General Services, Fort Collins,
CO 80523-8002
(970) 491-6385 (V/TDD), (970) 491-3457 (Fax) |
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RDS OUTSTANDING EFFORT AWARD
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RDS is part of the |
100 General Services, Fort Collins,
CO 80523-8002
(970) 491-6385 (V/TDD), (970) 491-3457 (Fax) |
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RDS OUTSTANDING EFFORT AWARD
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Academic Advancement, Student Affairs Division
Assistive Technology Resource Center, Occupational Therapy Department
Mathematics Department
Recreational Sports Department, Student Affairs Division
School of Veterinary Medicine
Mary Andrus-Overley, Social Work
Dr. Richard Davis, Statistics
Mark Frasier, Anatomy and Neurobiology
Dr. Robert Gaines, Mathematics
Dr. Cindy Griffin, Speech Communications
Rick Gumina, Statistics
Shawna Jackson, English
Jennifer Kenyon, Foreign Languages and Literature
Dr. Sherry McConnell, Anatomy and Neurobiology
Dr. Charles W. Miller, Physiology
Sue Daigle, Academic Advancement
Arlene Nededog, HELP/Success Center
Ken Paul, Facilities
Marla Roll and Erin Scott, Assistive Technology Resource Center
Dr. Paul Shang, HELP Success Center
Greg Suniga, Mathematics Department
Heather Hill, Social Work major
Diane Holland, Occupational Therapy major
Liz Konkel, Natural Resources major
Mary Mallon, Occupational Therapy major
Daniel C. Meyer, School of Education, graduate student
Angela Sanchez, Zoology major
Rebekah Tolin, Occupational Therapy major
Roslyn Brodsky, Ft. Collins
Jan Else, Ft. Collins
Carolann Frisco, Ft. Collins
Greg Funk, Ft. Collins
Al Goodenberger, Ft. Collins
Dr. Joe Hadden, Ft. Collins
Heather Hill, Campus
Diane Holland, Campus
Jerry Mihelich, Ft. Collins
The School of Veterinary Medicine has consistently given students with disabilities support both in and out of the class room. With such a unique and demanding curriculum, students with disabilities have required at times unusual and challenging accommodations. Without the support of the entire department, many of these accommodations would not be possible to achieve. On many occasions and for many students, the Veterinary Medicine program has worked closely with our office to determine and provide the most beneficial accommodation for a student within the unusual conditions inherent in the program. This close association and collaboration is critical in the formula of success for students who have a variety of needs. From having students take exams outside the classroom to providing note takers and tutors to supporting interpreters and transcribers, the program as a whole has been able and willing to make the required adjustments. As a result, students with a variety of disabilities have been able to successfully compete on their own merits and to the best of their ability. Without the support and cooperation of the entire program, the dreams these students have of becoming veterinarians would be much more difficult to attempt. The approach this program has taken in accommodating students is an example to other professional programs that strive to be inclusive of students with disabilities without compromising the integrity and demands of the curriculum.
As the former department chair, Dr. Gaines was in a position that proved very beneficial for students with disabilities, especially for those who would have difficulty with math and completing the math requirement of the university. Recognizing that not all students at CSU are math wizards and can tackle algebra and the module system successfully, he helped develop a useful alternative course for non-math majors. This alternative not only allowed students to complete the requirement for math in one semester, the course also took a different approach to teaching applied mathematical concepts. However, when even this course proved too much for individual students, especially those with learning disabilities, Dr. Gaines was willing to evaluate students on their own individual efforts. In addition to providing another way for students to complete their requirement for graduation, Dr. Gaines' focus in working with students has always been to give students exposure to math concepts as well as helping them learn how to apply these concepts to everyday life. Having been nominated several times for this award, it is about time he is acknowledged for his support and understanding of students who have a variety of needs and abilities.
As constant advocates, both Marla and Erin present a united front to the university on behalf of access to computer technology. Not only do they assess individual students for their needs, Marla and Erin also advocate for systems change throughout the university. They constantly strive to keep up-to-date in the field of adaptive equipment which is no easy task. The world of technology is constantly changing and how to determine how use the variety of options out there is a monumental task. Because they have worked so hard so consistently these past few years, it is now much easier for students to access classes that use computer technology as part of course requirements. In addition, Marla and Erin also advocate on behalf of ergonomics for employees and future employee in an effort to promote a safer work environment for everyone to prevent further injury or disability. They both deserve to be recognized for their unending effort and support to making this a more accessible and safe environment for both students and staff.
Rebekah has become one of the more enthusiastic advocates of issues affecting students with disabilities. From her beginnings as a volunteer reader to her current position as chair of the Disabled Students Action Group and as a member of the Committee for Disabled Student Accessibility, she consistently speaks out passionately about the problems she sees that still need attention on campus. For example, when she became aware of the scarcity of accessible emergency phones, she took the time to canvas the campus and then to meet with the CSUPD to discuss this problem as a means to address the issue. She has truly taken on her role of an advocate seriously and energetically. Rebekah continues to show her support for disability issues not only in accessibility but in attitudes. She is currently part of a group that took on as a group project the promotion of Disability Awareness Days, including the organization of a specific program on depression. Rebekah has a great future ahead of her in working on behalf of people with disabilities. We are proud to be among the first to recognize the effort she has given and will give in the future.
Carolann is perhaps one of the BEST volunteer we have. She is always consistent and very dependable and is always willing to take on a any book. Her dedication to us is noteworthy, too. Although she has been having migraines, she is still reading for us. In fact, she is reading two books for us right now. She will read for hours and hours to get a student caught up with the required reading listed on their syllabus. Because of Carolann's own disabilities, driving to our office can be very difficult so she is very prompt in contacting our office. As of last year, Carolann has read over 50 90-minute tapes. The books have not been the easiest ones to read, but Carolann has worked very hard to complete each assignment given her. She will even try to complete her reading assignment in a week's time. Carolann is very dependable and will assist in any capacity she can if possible. Carolann has been nominated several times for this award and should have received this already. She really deserves it. As one of her past other nominations states, Carolann is a very "exceptional" volunteer and we certainly agree.
Disability Awareness
| Outstanding Effort
1995 | 1996 | 1997
| 1999 | 2000 | 2001
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004
| 2005 | 2006
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