On Thanksgiving 2011, Sarah Carroll spent her day in the emergency room after her vision disappeared because of a virus that spread to her eyes. It took away her vision.
"Lights were so painful," said Carroll, a second-year graduate student in social work. "I couldn't see anything. That's when my friend took me to the emergency room."
Originally doctors thought it was just pink eye but later realized the virus had infected her eyes. Even though Carroll was treated for the virus, she is now visually impaired and requires special accommodations in the classroom.
UB strives to make sure every student has a fair chance at learning through Accessibility Resources. Previously known as Disability Resources, Accessibility Resources coordinates services and accommodations to ensure everyone has access to and can use all of the school's programs, services and activities.
Alexandra Caspi, a sophomore accounting and business major, is glad they changed the name.
"I feel like it gives it a more positive name because I don't have a disability; I just need a little help," Caspi said. "I'm not that much different than everyone else and I didn't like the fact that I had the title of having a disability."
The change in name was caused when many students resisted the disability label. With the shift from Disability Resources to Accessibility Resources, it allows students to feel more comfortable and less stigmatized, according to Sue Mann Dolce, assistant director for consultation and research.
However, the new title does not appeal to everyone and is misleading to some.
"I think the name is deceiving. I feel that accessibility sounds more for people that have actual physical disabilities," Carroll said. "It threw me off and made me not want to go because I don't belong in that category."
Regardless of the name, about 500 students take advantage of the services the Accessibility Resources office offers each semester.
"They have enabled me to read easier," Carroll said. "Holly [Johnson, auxiliary aid and services coordinator for Accessibility Resources] converts notes into larger fonts so I can actually see and read them."
Additional accommodations include providing extra time for tests, note-takers, American Sign Language interpreters in the classroom, text-to-speech textbooks and administering tests in separate rooms for any student in need of these services.
It's difficult for Carroll to find required textbooks in e-book format, she said, but Accessibility Resources has been a great help finding them for her.
"We want the students to be able to participate in all the classes and be competitive," Johnson said. "It's our job to provide the accommodations for students so they can have equal access to classes, activities and all the resources on campus."
Many students who have had learning or physical impairments throughout their lives have experienced accommodations similar to those Accessibility Resources provide. However, those students who have not received any accommodations in the past must follow a few steps in order to receive them at UB.
According to Johnson, the first step is going to the Accessibility Resources office, located in 25 Capen Hall, and going through an intake interview. The intake interview is where the student discusses what his or her disability is and how it affects his or her life and learning abilities. Typically, medical documentation is required.
"The accommodations are based on the needs of the student," Dolce said. "Every situation is individualized and based on their narrative and documentation, we figure out what are the appropriate and reasonable accommodations to the campus experience, academically and otherwise."
Carroll emphasized Accessibility Resources are a huge help in her academics.
"Don't be afraid to go to them," Carroll said. "That's what they're there for - to help you."
Because these resources are available for all students who may have a learning or physical impairment, it is important to be informed about the possible accommodations offered. Accessibility Resources is working toward a more social outreach in order to have a better public persona around campus, according to Johnson.
Professors are encouraged to include a note in their syllabi about UB's available services and to make announcements at the beginning of each semester, Dolce said.
"The students that use our services typically tend to do very well," Dolce said. "We get letters and notes from parents and students showing their gratitude. If they aren't doing well, we try to do everything we can to make it better."
The Accessibility Resources team is dedicated to making sure each student can be at a level playing field, according to Johnson.
"I wish everyone could be more informed and more aware and then realize that they can be a part of the solution by just being informed and aware," Dolce said.
Even though Dolce loves being part of the Accessibility Resources team, she hopes one day there won't be a need for accommodations. She hopes campus will be adequate for everyone naturally, such as the new Stampede buses.
The Stampede is now accessible for everyone, even students with a physical impairment. Greiner Hall is also handicap accessible.
Email: features@ubspectrum.com
