By Deandra Rodriguez
“I wish for a world that views disability… not as a hindrance but as unique attributes that can be seen as powerful assets if given the right opportunities. – Oliver Sacks” (WNEU Website). At Student Accessibility Services, they embrace the idea of Oliver Sacks. At SAS, they value disability as a part of diversity by making it their mission to accommodate and advocate for the disabled student population.
In Herman Hall 105, you will find the foundation of the SAS office; Director Tynisha Henderson and Assistive Technology Specialist Sandra Cardinale. As the primary staff for SAS, each day comes with new tasks. Every day is a little bit different. No two days are exactly the same. However, they still strive to make SAS the best possible resource it can be.
“My role on campus is not only to write the accommodation plans, but to ensure the campus community understands that when (ALL) students feel welcomed and valued, they will flourish, succeed, and grow.”- Tynisha Henderson.
“My role includes scheduling and proctoring exams, supporting the use of appropriate technologies and other related resources to meet the needs of students registered with SAS, main contact for students, Understanding student’s needs, meeting with prospective students and parents.”- Sandra (Sandie) Cardinale.
As part of SAS, students are able to register for accommodations to get the help they need to thrive successfully in the classroom. This process first begins when a student submits their SAS Intake form. This form “serves to self-disclose and describe firsthand how a student’s disability impacts them in the educational environment” (WENU website). The next step in this process is adding an additional medical document as evidence that supports the disability. Details on what medical documents are permitted can be found on the WNEU website under “Register with SAS.”
The careful thought process that goes into reviewing a student’s documentation is “What I look at is the medical documentation, the diagnosis itself, what the student shares about diagnosis and how it impacts them in the WNE community, ie, room accommodations”- Tynisha
After submitting documentation, SAS then carefully reviews it. The final step is the Welcome Meeting where students meet the staff and further discuss accommodation options. Further details of this procedure can be found on the WNE website.
“The one thing I would like students to know is that we are here to support you and want you to feel comfortable coming to our team for your needs. My advice for students is use your accommodations if you have them, if you do not understand the accommodation, ask. Stop in and learn how to use them. We are here to support you.” -Sandie Cardinale.
Ultimately the key takeaway from this student’s resource is remembering that they are here to help in any way they can. Director Tynisha Henderson’s biggest advice for anyone looking for student resources is to “Know your diagnosis. Know how your diagnosis impacts you. Know questions that are asked to help you understand the diagnosis, not for you to prove your diagnosis. Advocate for yourself and what you believe what you need for yourself. Lastly, assume good intent”.
“My favorite quote,” said Henderson, “is ‘Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me.’ [This is from] Zora Neale Hurston a famous author. I love this quote because it speaks to how I approach my work; I want to support the building and development of a campus community and culture that is entirely inclusive and welcoming of everyone.”
