Michael Hudson's goal as director of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities is to help the MSU community focus on ability, not disability.
Among the ways he and his staff of 17 full- and part-time employees will do this will be to incorporate myriad technology tools and specialized expertise.
"Technology drastically changed my life," says Hudson, who has been visually impaired since the age of 3. "I want our community members to be able to use and understand the technology available to them and to help them excel in the classroom and workplace."
A native of Saginaw and graduate of Lake Superior State University, Hudson began his MSU career in the Office of Programs for Handicapper Students in 1992 as a visual characteristics specialist, a title reflecting the terminology of the time. The center was renamed a year ago and took on a new twist, adding services for faculty and staff.
Hudson is very proud of MSU's long-term leadership in providing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
"We maintain an open door to individuals, departments or units in educating the community on the concerns, abilities and needs of persons with disabilities," he says.
He and his wife, Karla, who received her degree in rehabilitation counseling and now works as a rehabilitation counselor with the state of Michigan, live in East Lansing.
This article was originally featured as part of the August 10 issue of the MSU News Bulletin.