REMINDER
Accommodations for Spring 2010 -- submit your Accommodation Letter Request form to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) as soon as you register for the upcoming spring semester. It is vital you request your accommodations before leaving campus for winter break. ODS needs valuable lead time to locate note takers and textbooks. Please make plans to turn in your Alternative Format Request form after you register for classes. If you need assistance, please contact our office.

November  Disability Awareness Spotlights

Native American Heritage Month: Theme for this year's heritage month is "Celebrating Tribal Nations: America's Great Partners."

In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 "National American Indian Heritage Month." Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including "Native American Heritage Month" and "National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month") have been issued each year since 1994.

Disabilities: Native Americans are People too: An Editorial  (National Council on Disability)  "NCD has targeted the significant, unmet needs of unserved and underserved people with disabilities, including people from diverse cultures, as a policy priority. While people from diverse cultures constitute a disproportionate share of the disability community, they also have unique needs in addition to those experienced by other people with disabilities. With an estimated 22 percent disability prevalence rate, according to national research data, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the most disproportionate rate of disabilities and limited opportunity for access to culturally sensitive programs and services of all races. This is compounded by factors such as high poverty and school dropout rates, geographic isolation from state or local district rehabilitation services and health care, and limited employment options.”   The Bureau of Indian Affairs serve 48,000 students.

The Coalition is an alliance of organizations and individuals who have joined to promote the full and equal participation of men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life. We work together to advocate for public policy that ensures self-determination, independence, empowerment, and inclusion for people with disabilities in areas such as accessibility, education, healthcare, housing, and voting rights. http://tndisability.org

Wheel Chair Basketball @ The FOY

The Office of Disability Services would like to thank all of the players, faculty, staff  and volunteers who made this year's event successful. The Music City Lightning led their team to victory over the Nashville Wheel Cats with a score of 49 to 21. Pregame activities included the opportunity for APSU students to learn how to play basketball from a wheelchair and a chance to play along with the professionals during the game. Several prize drawings were held throughout the event , including a nice digital camera presented to the winner of the half-time wheelchair free throw contest. Come join us again next year for great food and lots of fun. A special thanks to Ms. Lynette Taylor for another memorable event for the students and the players.

The National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) is comprised of 181 wheelchair basketball teams within twenty-two conferences. Founded in 1948, the NWBA today consists of men's, women's, intercollegiate, and youth teams throughout the United States of America and Canada.

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" My Wheelchair Had Wings " by Michele Sutphin
Sitting, watching the planes fly through beautiful skies, Make my imagination become real before my eyes, For a moment I wished I could be up there too, Flying anywhere, in these skies of blue, All of a sudden, I felt my wheelchair take flight, I thought I must be dreaming, but it wasn't even night, I pinched myself to make sure, Before I knew it, I was out the door, Off into the skies above I rose, Not exactly the way I would have chose, But taking advantage of my flight, I glanced around and what a vision came into my sight,

For on each side were wings of white, I yelled out loud, "this can't be right!", A flock of birds were going by gone stopped on my leg and with a sigh, Thanked me for being right there, He needed a breather, he thanked for my care, Then he looked at me and at my wings,' Boy I sure wish I could have those things", I could fly faster than the rest, I would be first and always the best, Then he flapped his wings and took off right away, Turning for a moment, saying;"have a good day", Concentrating now on where I should go, My wings started off, as if they did know, What a sight I must be, A girl up in a wheelchair of wings, flying with a disability, Well I told them all, "nothing would keep me down", If they saw me now, how many I would astound, So I suddenly knew I had to fly from my heart, Then the wings gained motion, what a good start, Where I was going was to others like me,  Wanting to show what they too could do, even with disability, 

I came near some children who were sitting outside, I started waving and shouting, not afraid, did I hide, I came ever so close and their smiles came so clear, I told them don't be afraid to try, don't ever fear, Then my heart took me to other places that day, Everywhere there were others, who thought they'd never find a way, But I told them they didn't need a wheelchair with wings, For right there on the ground, God can give many good things, Then I told them of someone who loves them so much, He wants to help you receive His special touch, So much you can receive, God can make you like Eagles, to fly, if you believe, Strong, independent, ready to go out reaching others, living a life of real happiness, is what's all about, Then my heart was finished for this day was complete, I had been allowed to travel and reach out from my very seat, If never does my wheelchair sprout wings another day, I can still reach out to others, in my own way.

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Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2009
While contestants are showcased in a pageant format, Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee is not a beauty contest. It is a competition, started in 1996, to select the most accomplished and articulate spokesperson for persons with disabilities across the State of Tennessee. Contestants take part in a one-day program, including workshops and a talent show. The program culminates in a formal ceremony to feature the contestants and to name Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee.

Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee is charged with a continuing effort to educate the public regarding the dignity, productiveness and basic values of people with disabilities. She must be able to communicate both the needs and abilities of her constituency to the general public, the business community and government.

Contestant eligibility criteria and contestant relations for Ms. Wheelchair of Tennessee can be found at: http://www.mswheelchairtennessee.org.

Congratulations to the 2009 winners!
Lorri Mabry lives in Antioch and was born with cerebral palsy. Ms. Mabry graduated from Gallatin High School with a 3.371 GPA and was chosen for Who’s Who Among American High School students in her junior year. After high school, Ms Mabry attended college where she graduated with a Bachelor in Liberal Arts. She is an active member of her community. She is a board member on People First, Tap and Peace Coalition and Tennesseans for Fair Taxation; as well as volunteering with United Cerebral Palsy, Tennessee Disability Coalition and Tennessee Health Care. Ms. Mabry graduated from Partners in Policy Making in 2001 and was a speaker at Mega Conference. Her goal is to get her masters degree in social work. She is hoping to serve as a good role model for young people with disabilities. Her philosophy is: You have one life, you better enjoy it.

Junior Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2009
Gabryelle Conklin lives in Mt. Juliet and was born with Cerebral Palsy. Gabby goes to West Wilson Middle School where she is an eighth grader. She has been a member of the choir and has made the Principles list every grading period. She is a spokesperson for the non-profit organization Empower Me Day Camp, which serves special needs children over the summer and various times throughout the year. Her short term goals are to continue in the choir and improve her singing skills. Whereas her long term goals are to attend and finish college and become a singer or a doctor, but above all else her ultimate goal is to find a cure for Cerebral Palsy. Gabby’s philosophy is to try to live life to the fullest and doesn’t let her disability prevent her from enjoying everyday life with her family and friends.

Little Miss Wheelchair Tennessee 2009
Savanna Spencer lives in Knoxville. She was born with Cerebral Palsy. She attends Blue Grass Elementary where she is in the Accelerated Reader program. In her spare time, she was involved with the Brownie Girl Scouts in 2006, as well as, STAR, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding where she was given rider of the year for 2006 and 2007, and AWANA at Senior Heights Baptist Church. When she grows up she would like to be a teacher and a mommy. Her philosophy for life is to have fun and help others.

ΛEΖΝ

Lambda Epsilon Zeta Nu
Thanks to all of our new and returning members who are working diligently to ensure the success of Zeta Nu's reorganization. Congratulations to all of our elected officers:

• President: Alison Frederick
• Co-Vice Presidents: Alisa Lewis
• Secretary: Franshelle Evans
• Treasurer: Seandrika Matthews

We invite all interested students to join our organization and advocate for disability awareness. You  are also welcome to participate in our upcoming activities to be held as follows:

• Thanksgiving can drive: drop box located inside ODS from Tuesday, Nov 3 through Wednesday, Nov 18.
• Bake sale:  Wednesday, Nov 4th & Thursday, Nov 19th from 7:00 am -2:00 pm, Claxton Lobby; please bring baked goods.
• Membership Drive: Thursday, Nov 5 from 1:00-3:00 pm, Claxton Lobby.
• AP Day : Saturday, Nov 14 from 8:30 am (setup) -12:00 pm (cleanup); wear your Peay Pride shirts.

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Information Central

The President of the United States has declared the H1N1 virus a national emergency
The ODS stresses continued efforts to practice safe hand washing techniques and invites you to stop by and observe the proper hand washing video if you haven't seen it already. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) emphasizes the need to follow good hygiene practices for H1N1 virus prevention http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm.

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection we have against flu. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now and initial doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine also are available, with additional doses available later this year. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it

Wash your hands often with soap and water

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way

Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety. Click on the link http://www.ready.gov/america/about/_flash/movie14.txt to view recommended preparedness information especially for American's with Disabilities.

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Tremendous Fellowships Available
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC) has established the DOE Office of Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE SCGF) program to provide support for outstanding students to pursue graduate training in basic research in areas of physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computational sciences, and environmental sciences relevant to the Office of Science and to encourage the development of the next generation scientific and technical talent in the U.S.
 
Fellows will receive a $35,000 yearly stipend for living expenses, $10,500 per year for tuition and fees and a $5,000 research stipend supplement for research materials and travel expenses.  Fellows will be required to participate in the annual DOE SCGF Research Conference to be held each summer at a DOE national laboratory.  Travel expenses and accommodations to the Conference will be provided by the DOE SCGF program.
 
The application deadline is November 30, 2009.
For more information about the program, eligibility, benefits and application visit http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/SCGF.html

The AHEAD Scholarship for STUDENTS with Disabilities: As a member of AHEAD, APSU students with disabilities may be nominated for a $1000 scholarship from AHEAD.  At least one (1) $1,000 (USD) scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student and at least one (1) $1,000 (USD) scholarship to a graduate student January 2010. If you are interested in applying, contact our office for eligibility requirements and sponsorship.   The deadline for applications is December 15, 2009.

Lighthouse International
Lighthouse International is working in partnership with a variety of New York City based corporations to provide internships for college students who are visually impaired.

For early consideration, please submit your application on or before November 15, 2009. http://www.lighthouse.org/aboutus/whats-new/#argus
http://www.tabinc.org/blog/archives/announcements/index.html

Lighthouse International Tests Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System on First Patient in New York City  http://www.lighthouse.org/aboutus/press/press-releases/argus

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources
http://disabledperson.com/ - annual scholarships for college students with disabilities in the United States. http://youreducationportal.com/results.aspx/disability source of financial aid for students with disabilities.

Target Stores To Add Tactile Keypads
By the end of 2010, Target stores nationwide will be adding tactile keypads to their point-of-sale devices (more commonly known as check-out stations), allowing customers with visual impairments to enter their personal identification numbers (PINs) privately and independently, ensuring their financial privacy.

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Social Security Benefits
The Ticket to Work Program provides most people receiving Social Security benefits (beneficiaries) more choices for receiving employment services. Under this program, the Social Security Administration (SSA) issues tickets to eligible beneficiaries who, in turn, may choose to assign those tickets to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice to obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services necessary to achieve a vocational (work) goal. The EN, if they accept the ticket, will coordinate and provide appropriate services to help the beneficiary find and maintain employment.

Tennessee Connection: The Center for Independent Living of Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Disability Coalition are partners in Benefits To Work, a program to assist Social Security beneficiaries and recipients with disabilities who are exploring career development.

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Landmark College
Visit http://www.landmark.edu/programs/degrees/index.cfm for information on strategies that empower students who learn differently, specifically those with Learning Disabilities and AD/HD. Take a look at their Bridge Semester and Summer Semester (priority deadline 6/22/10) for visiting students.  Lynette Taylor, the Assistant Director for ODS, visited the campus in Putney Vermont in Spring 2009 and thinks that it is a beautiful campus with an excellent program for students with executive functioning disorders. Scholarships are also offered.

Parking Information Reminders
ODS would like to remind our students to familiarize yourselves with the campus parking regulation for disabled parking spaces. Persons with disabilities require either a permanent disabled parking decal issued by the campus police or a temporary disabled parking decal issued by Health Services in order to park in disabled parking spaces. If you are concerned about reserved parking for persons with disabilities, please contact campus police at http://www.apsu.edu/Police.