Go to You-tube Video: https://youtu.be/vbV0BCeJ2o4
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[Music]
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Hello, I'm Caroline and I'm studying biochemistry and anthropology at MSU.
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And I'm Megan and I'm studying zoology.
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And today, we're sharing this short video to provide information
about supporting your peers with disabilities on campus.
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At Michigan State University, we strive to support each student including
people with disabilities who may require additional support
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to experience an accessible and equitable environment.
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As a Spartan, it is important you have an understanding of disability
and how to interact with disabled people.
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So what is a disability?
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As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a disability is "a physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities."
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This may include impacts to walking, speaking, seeing, sleeping,
concentrating, breathing, learning, and other major bodily functions.
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This includes also neurodivergent experiences such as autism, ADHD,
depression, and learning and neurological conditions.
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Since these experiences can be apparent or non-apparent,
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it is important to remember that you may not recognize
someone's disability and lead with an inclusive attitude.
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What can you do to create a safe and accessible environment for your peers?
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Ensure you are correctly addressing individuals with disabilities.
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General guidelines you should follow are:
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Address people as they identify.
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Disabled people identify using different kinds of language so
it is important to address them in a way that affirms this.
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Some people use identity-first language such as
"disabled person" or "autistic person".
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Some use person-first language like "person with a disability".
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It is always best practice to ask what language someone prefers whenever possible.
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Also, always avoid phrases like "wheelchair-bound" or "handicap" and use
phrases such as "wheelchair user" and "accessible".
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Never ask someone their specific disability.
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A person's disability is personal information. Instead of asking invasive questions,
ask how you can best support their access needs.
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Respect the privacy of the person.
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If someone shares their disability with you, do not disclose it to
another person without their consent.
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It is part of their story that they deserve to share at their choosing.
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Do not touch, talk to, feed, or distract a service animal.
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Know that disability is fluid and can change with time.
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For some, their access needs change in a matter of seconds, hours,
days, or years, and to varying degrees.
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Respect the individual and their needs in each moment.
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These needs may relate to wheelchair access, sensory
stimuli exposure, and many other things.
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Additional tips for accessible and respectful interactions and conversations.
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Listen to the person. Do not make assumptions about what
the person can or cannot do.
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When speaking, talk directly to that person, not their companion.
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This applies whether the person has a mobility aid, a mental disability, or is blind
or is deaf and uses an interpreter.
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Extend common courtesies as you would anyone else.
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Shake hands or hand over business cards. If the person cannot shake your
hand or grasp a card, they will let you know.
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If the person has speech impacts and you are having trouble understanding what
they are saying, ask them to repeat rather than pretend you understand.
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It is respectful and leads to accurate communication;
the latter is belittling and can lead to embarrassment.
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Offer assistance, but wait until your help is accepted before you help.
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At Michigan State University we have much to celebrate and more to accomplish.
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Our journey of access started back in the 1930s with the founding
of the Tower Guard sophomore honor organization.
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An organization intent on reading textbooks aloud,
which welcomed blind students to study and achieve here at MSU.
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By the 1960s, students with physical disabilities were rallying for access.
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This triggered the formation of today's
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.
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Throughout the years, state and federal legislation enhanced the
view of accessibility in higher education.
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By 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was
a legislation of monumental proportion.
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Helping gain visibility and directing the efforts of many individuals.
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Today's Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities is intent on welcoming
students, creating access, and extending the reach of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Students and employees initiate services through the RCPD by self-identifying
with the office and providing supporting documentation.
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RCPD Specialists conduct an individualized needs assessment to
determine and implement reasonable accommodations.
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What are some examples of accommodations?
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Accommodations are tailored to address specific disability dynamics,
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and they are individualized to each person's unique needs
and may vary over time and setting.
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They are different for each person and range from assistive technology for reading, writing, and time management,
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to housing, transportation, testing, classroom, and workplace accommodations.
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If you have a disability and believe you need an accommodation to
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participate fully at MSU, visit rcpd.msu.edu to get started and learn more.
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Spartans contribute to the progression of Michigan State University
as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive institution.
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Support Spartans with disabilities by actively celebrating their identities, recognizing and
affirming their experiences, and providing equal access to opportunities.