Recently, MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) partnered with GoodMaps for a Fall engagement event to expand the mission of making MSU’s campus more accessible. The event took place on November 14, 2023, and spanned across two buildings—the STEM building and Bessey Hall.
The University Outreach and Engagement Office of College Access Initiatives hosted its first Shades of Melanin Expo on January 19, 2024, at the Kellogg Center.
During the fall 2023 semester, RCPD specialists Jessica Lutz and Hannah Huey-Jones introduced and facilitated a disability-centered Learning Community for faculty and staff titled, “Disability Dynamics: Theory, Accessibility, and Practice at MSU.”
Each year, two Big 10 Powerhouses, The University of Michigan and Michigan State University, meet at the 50-yard line for one of the most anticipated rivalry football games in the state—a tradition in which both Wolverine and Spartan fans rejoice.
Tyler Smeltekop, RCPD Assistant Director of Assistive Technology Innovation, recently testified at a State of Michigan House of Representatives hearing on two Bills regarding children’s hearing health in Michigan.
As part of Recreational Sports and Fitness Services at MSU, the MSU Sailing Center offers programs to everyone no matter the age or ability. However, persons with mobility and other limiting motor disabilities had a difficult time accessing the water to participate in one of the offered classes or programs.
The Spartan Family Sensory Room located in the Breslin Center officially opened this week. This space is a quiet place for individuals to take a break from overwhelming stimulation while at a sporting or other public event held in the Breslin Center.
Tyler joined the RCPD team in September 2022 serving as Assistant Director of Assistive Technology Innovation, aiming to expand on the MSU Community’s access to accessible technology, course content and equitable experiences across campus.
When registering for accommodations with the RCPD, students receive a form that outlines all accommodations provided to that specific student. This form used to be called a Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations (VISA) form, or if seeking temporary accommodations, the form was called a Verified Individualized Services Temporary Accommodations (VISTA).
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RCPD is proud to announce the creation of a self-enroll D2L course for MSU’s instructional staff, “RCPD Disability & Accommodation Training.” The primary purpose of the course is to help instructors become more informed about the experiences of disabled students and improve their effectiveness with facilitating accommodations.
While Chip and Joanna Gaines are busy flipping houses in Texas, the RCPD has been busy with our own DIY project. It’s not a house with many rooms to remodel, but the RCPD entryway boasts a long hallway wall to welcome visitors and staff alike.
Ability Access Specialist, Hannah Huey-Jones, was recently invited to be a special guest on this podcast and share about the RCPD and its mission of helping Spartans maximize opportunity and ability.
In February, the MSU Adaptive Sports & Recreation Wheelchair Floorball Team competed in the 2023 Malmö Open Tournament at the European Parasports in Sweden. This team is no stranger to international competition, as this was their third time representing MSU and the USA in the Floorball Tournament.
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Jessica Lutz, Ability Access Specialist
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During the last week of June, MSU hosted “Grandparents University,” a program put on by the MSU Alumni Office. Grandparents and their grandchildren come to campus, stay in the residence halls, eat at the dining halls, and enjoy lots of programming.
The Michigan Association on Higher Education and Disability (MI-Ahead) Conference took place on May 19, 2023. Staff members, Colleen Floyd, Madison Overbey, Ellie Brigger, Lynne Swerhone, Shelby Gombosi, Hannah-Huey Jones, Ginger Martz, Jessica Lutz, Tesia Freer, and Kelsey Foote from team RCPD were in attendance and some even presented at the conference.
MSU RCPD was fortunate to welcome intern, Mudita Jagota, to the team during the Spring 2023 semester as one of our Ability Access Specialists. Mudita recently graduated from MSU in May 2023 with her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Since joining the RCPD team as an Office Aide in September 2022, Kristin’s proven leadership skills and passion for helping those with disabilities reach their fullest potential, has grown into a new opportunity as the RCPD Leadership Development and Accessible Media Coordinator.