1. Disability Ambassadors: Promoting A Campus-Wide Culture of Access
Emily Quinn, M.Ed.
Michelle Rigler, Ed.D.
Matt Brown, M.A.
AHEAD Annual Conference 2017

2. Presentation Overview
Introduction
Catalysts for Development
Training Logistics
Campus Partners
Program Content
Successes/Challenges
Cultural Impact
Shared Commitment

3. Disability Ambassadors

4. Catalysts for Development
Campus climate in transition period
New university leadership
Some restructuring of a few divisions
High level of legislative awareness
Diversity is part of UTC’s Strategic Plan
“Sticker Culture”
ACCESS IS A CAMPUS-WIDE RESPONSIBILITY

5. Program Logistics Presenters: Goal is once a month for 3 hours
3 DRC Staff
1 Dean of Students Staff
Goal is once a month for 3 hours
Also as requested
Program cost: $
Stickers & bookmarks
resource packet materials
snacks and coffee
blast for RSVP response

6. Campus Partners Counseling Center Dean of Students
Walker Teaching and Learning Center
Students

7. Program Content Early Views Definitions Disability History
Types of Access
Disability Etiquette
Student Perspective
Commitment
Resources
Evaluation

8. 1. Early Views Children’s Literature Winnie the Pooh Amelia Bedelia
Magic School Bus

9. 2. Definitions Disability Accessibility vs. Accommodation ADAAA
Universal Design
Social Model vs. Medical Model

10. 3. Disability History
Portland Community College “Disability History Exhibit”
Panel display covering 3000 years of history
Corresponding videos for each panel
Five videos are shown during the training
In the Beginning, The Medical Model, Disability Rights Movement, Legislation Overview, and Disability Culture
Themes are connected with each video
Demonstrates progression of history from “brutal extermination” to “pride and culture”

11. 4. Types of Access Attitudinal Physical Communication Technology
Programmatic
Case studies used to facilitate group discussion

12. 5. Disability Etiquette General etiquette
Quick video as an overview Disability Sensitivity Training
Presented and explained by staff member with a disability
Real examples
Q&A

13. 6. Student Perspective
Video with student (grad, undergrad, alum) perspective from their view on campus
How is your experience here on campus?
What supports do you utilize?
How do you describe yourself?
What advice can you give to someone wanting to make UTC accessible?

14. 7. Commitment What can you do to better the culture of access at UTC?
Shared accountability
Disability Ambassador Sticker
For individual door/personal laptop
Coffee coaster for faculty staff/bookmark for students
ADVOCATE initiative: student-led program

15. Commitment Shared commitments: “I will speak up!”
“I will add a statement about access to our program marketing materials.”
“I will build accessibility into my course design.”
“I will be mindful of access in our department purchases and programs.”
“I’ll work with Fraternity and Sorority Life student leaders to ensure accessible recruitment.”

16. 8. Resources Resource Packet General accessibility checklist
Etiquette tips
Comprehensive list of definitions
Contact Info for Campus Resources

17. 9. Evaluation Are participants learning something new?
Has perception about disability changed?
Are participants aware of campus resources?
General feedback: what worked, what didn’t?

18. Participant Feedback Affirmation:
“I loved the low-risk group interaction.”
“I’m glad to be aware of the campus resources now.”
“I appreciated how informal and real the presenters were.”
“I learned so much about disability history that I didn’t know before.”
“It was good to hear from many different speakers and perspectives!”

19. Participant Feedback Suggestions:
“Give a pre-assessment to determine baseline knowledge.”
“Describe more what it really means to be an ambassador on campus.”
“Three hours is a long time. Consider shortening the length of the program.”
“Share the program’s learning objectives with us before we start.”

20. Participant Feedback

21. Outcomes Successes Challenges
Nearly 300 staff/faculty/student advocates
Student groups are asking for training
Faculty/staff are visible advocates
Student vs. Faculty/Staff differences
Low individual attendance numbers (except when joined by organizations)
Reaching administrators
Difficult to schedule during “peak periods”

22. Cultural Impact Culture of Access Goals:
Reach upper-level administration
Market the training
Target specific groups
More SWD involvement

23. How does your campus promote a culture of access?
What is one action you/your department can do to move your campus further toward a culture of access?
What are your challenges in getting there?
How can you utilize what/who you have on campus to reach your goal?

24. Questions? Emily Quinn Michelle Rigler Matt Brown THANK YOU!
Michelle Rigler
Matt Brown
THANK YOU!