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by:
Tanya Adams, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Careers Collaborative
on
The robust turn out for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion fair is indication of a growing hunger from all angles for acknowledging the impact identity and belonging have in a work setting.
On January 19, 2023, just as the new semester started, Tower Guard announced a new event for RCPD students called “Syllabuster.” This event was created for RCPD students to help break down the new semester's class syllabi and help set students up for a successful semester. This event was hosted at the MSU main library in the evening and welcomed any students. There were a few Tower Guard members there to help assist in any way.
As we reflect on February as Black History Month it is important to include Black Disability History. Throughout the history of the United States there have been many influential Black people with disabilities who shaped our history.
The Abilities, Opportunities and Future of Work Podcast is co-produced by the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and the Eli Broad College of Business with the objective of providing an opportunity to showcase best-in-class practices on burning issues related to how workforce with disabilities can be integrated highlighting firms, community organizations, not-for-profits and other state organizations that are doing outstanding work in integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce and allow them to share their “stories.” The Podcast aims to fill the gap on democratizing best-in-class practices with the broader disability community that can help facilitate employment of individuals with disabilities, This is the first episode of a two-part episode.
These workshops will be offered at the same time as the standard workshop and count towards your completion of the program. This workshop defines gender-based violence, explains university policies, and highlights resources available on campus and in the community with a specific focus on providing a sensory-friendly learning environment and experience.
The MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities welcomed James Madaski in January 2023, to our team as an ability access specialist serving people with neurodivergent needs.
Spartan Ties is a fun, interactive weekly meet-up hosted by MSU’s Tower Guard student volunteers in partnership with the RCPD, providing an opportunity for students registered with the RCPD to meet new friends and try new things. No specialists, no advisors, just students! Events will cover a range of topics and locations, such as meals, casual conversation, and stress reduction.
Spartan Study is back! Join Tower Guard for study sessions both in-person and via Zoom. In-person sessions will be in the Main Library room E118. Please see the below schedule for more information:
The Fall 2022 semester brought cooler temperatures, lovely colors across campus, football games (Go Green!) and, to the RCPD specifically, four practicum students: Andrew Harsh, Yusi Hu, Milan Monardes and Ken Tribley.
Spartan Ties is a fun, interactive weekly meet-up hosted by MSU’s Tower Guard student volunteers in partnership with the RCPD, providing an opportunity for students registered with the RCPD to meet new friends and try new things. No specialists, no advisors, just students! Events will cover a range of topics and locations, such as meals, casual conversation, and stress reduction.
At MSU there is a focus on maximizing the abilities and opportunities of all students. Tyler Mazone is a deaf graduate student who joined MSU to further his music career. We had an opportunity to ask him some questions about his experience at MSU and why he chose us for his education.
The 5th Annual RCPD BOND Friendsgiving event took place on November 18, 2022, bringing together a tasty Thanksgiving meal, fun, friendship, and connection.
On October 28th MSU opened the STRIDE (Services, Training, and Research for Independence and Desired Employment) center. A wonderful new center aimed at improving employment, independent living, and quality of life for persons with disabilities. Their two current projects are SEARCH, ASSET (Assistive Soft Skills & Employment Training), and EPASS (Employment Preparation and Skills. Any individual with a disability can participate in these programs. You can find more information on their work here by visiting the MSU Education Department.
RCPD recently had the opportunity to co-host a film screening and panel discussion with WKAR Public Media. Following the hour-long screening, panelists Colleen Floyd (Ability Access Specialist, RCPD), Emily Abrams (Academic Advisor, TRIO Student Support Services), and Tyler Smeltekop (Assistant Director, RCPD) led a discussion around various themes and concepts that arose in the documentary. Audience members also participated and shared their own experiences with navigating identity after acquiring a disability.
October is a special month for working towards connecting the value of higher education to success in our community. We are thankful to these outside sources that worked to highlight RCPD’s efforts of maximizing ability and opportunity at MSU.
Announcing Spartan Study sessions for Fall 2022 This is an opportunity for RCPD students to find tutoring and study assistance with their classes from other MSU students in a peer-educator/study group format. Hosted by members of MSU's Tower Guard honor society, these weekly study sessions will cover various commonly requested subjects, outlined below.
The President of the Council of Students with Disabilities, Caroline Downes, worked to get these containers implemented on campus for the past few semesters. We did an interview with her to gather more information on this process.
Tower Guard held its May’s Morning Sing induction ceremony on April 8, 2022, at the MSU Union. Anna Lehr, 2021-2022 Tower Guard Vice President, coordinated the event under the guidance of Liz Fuller, Former RCPD Leadership Development Ability Access Specialist and previous lead Tower Guard advisor.