Perspective on Ability
“We are a community where students grow ambition into personal and professional success. As a child, I received a devastating diagnosis of impending blindness. Like nearly every disability diagnosis, it brought dread and an initial sense of profound limitation. In time, I realized that my life would be shaped by my disability, but my destiny was something I could affect. Meeting high achievers facing similar challenges, gaining essential skills, and learning to find the possibility in tough situations helped me redefine myself from victim to problem solver. Moving beyond expectations required an ability-based approach, education and a network to realize my unique abilities.
The RCPD welcomes each person as uniquely equipped with talents, needs and aspirations. We work to connect students with quality academics through a vibrant community that helps each Spartan move toward extraordinary. Spartans change lives every day in ways practical and profound; creating opportunities through study and research, finding solutions for some of the world’s most challenging needs. Education expands opportunity and for those experiencing disabilities, education is a most empowering choice. This is why Team RCPD works diligently to engage MSU traditions of quality, inclusiveness and connectivity for the benefit of over 3,000 registered people with disabilities studying and working at MSU.
While the onset of a disability is rarely welcomed and often stigmatized, I learned firsthand that a disability in itself does not need to disable. Disabilities mandate determination, creativity and development of alternative approaches to common problems. A guiding principle in my own life and at the RCPD is discovery and development of the abilities inherent in each of us. By developing our abilities within a collaborative ability-centered community, we can overcome challenges and move beyond expectations. Together, we create a welcoming environment, fortify capacity and compassionately challenge each person to reach their fullest ability. We grow ambition into personal and professional success as we connect MSU knowledge, self-advocacy, innovative technology and community. I invite you to learn more about how we transform community investments into programming that helps students fully engage the promise of higher education."
Toward Extraordinary…Spartans Move Beyond Expectations
Dating back to the 1930’s, MSU has helped thousands of alumni with disabilities redefine disability and change expectations of what is possible. Setting our sights on extraordinary we move beyond expectations with careers and life accomplishment. We are honored to share the ways students, alumni and employees reach successes. I encourage you to share a story or nominate someone for an award., These community successes ultimately help us recognize the ways Spartans move beyond expectations toward extraordinary.
· Celebrating Success: Perspectives, Growth and Understanding