It wasn't meant to be a secret, but somehow it escaped notice: 1996-97 is the 25th anniversary of the Office of Programs for Handicapper Students. The office was established in 1971, following the appointment of Dr. James B. Hamilton as assistant provost for special programs. Following are excerpts from a 1986 summary of handicapper support services written by Hamilton:
At that time, the program consisted of a graduate student -- Judy Gentile -- who served as program coordinator. The University did not have a transportation services program, as there were relatively few handicappers enrolled on the campus. The available services were provided with one vehicle and one part-time driver. Valerie Nilson, currently an alternative learner specialist at OPHS, has been with the office since 1982. Nilson remembers, "OPHS began as a result of Judy Taylor, who was the first wheelchair user at MSU.
"She wanted to be a journalism major, as I remember, but she was forced to select another major because the building was not accessible. She did a bachelor of fine arts; drawing was another of her talents.
"Her mother drove her to school and pushed her from class to class. Judy encouraged other handicappers to come to MSU; her mother was the first driver, using her own van."
Hamilton's summary continued with changes since the office's beginning. In the early 1970s, the University also began providing significant services to students with mobility characteristics through both a major program called Project ACCESS (under which the University made significant improvements in access of physical facilities) and through a decision to provide a centralized transportation service with annual funds for replacement of vehicles on a regular basis.
A major service that has been in existence even longer than the current Office of Programs for Handicapper Students is provided by the Tower Guard, a student honor society, which has for many years provided reader services to students with visual characteristics at Michigan State University.
Partial Timeline of OPHS' Early Evolution
1966-1969
- First wheelchair user admitted to MSU.
- Only service provided by Tower Guard.
1969-1972
- First transportation services provided with windowless van and removable wooden ramp.
- Dr. James B. Hamilton established office to coordinate services for disabled students.
- Owen Graduate Center is the first accessible residence hall.
1972-1975
- Federal support for services begins.
- Office relocates from Owen Graduate Center to MSU Library.
- First hydraulic lift-equipped bus is purchased by MSU.
1975-1978
- Transportation services were expanded.
- Alternative equipment and information formats were made available through federal, state and private funds.
- Three residence halls (Case, Owen and Shaw) and six University apartments were enhanced to accommodate students with disabilities.