Creating Inclusive Spaces: Muskingum University's Disability Awareness Initiatives
Muskingum University celebrates Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month by organizing a variety of events to increase knowledge and active participation. Planning begins months in advance, incorporating diverse perspectives and engaging students in the process. By involving PLUS representatives and Accessibility Services staff, students actively contribute ideas, organize events, and create awareness materials, fostering a culture of disability awareness and inclusion on campus.
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That Sounds Like Fun! And it Supports Disability Awareness and Inclusion? Dr. Lindsay Carr
Muskingum University Small, residential, private institution located in rural, Appalachian Ohio Established 1837 Undergraduate student population 1500+ Graduate programs at the Masters and Doctoral level Two levels of support for students with disabilities o Student Accessibility Services o 247 students registered with Student Accessibility Services 2023-2024 o PLUS Program o 75 students supported through PLUS
Muskingum Universitys Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month Celebrated during October July is Disability Pride month few are on campus October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Started as a week-long celebration Four years ago, we moved to a month-long celebration. According to Microassist.com there is much to celebrate... World Cerebral Palsy Day October 6 World Sight Day October 10 World Mental Health Day October 10 White Cane Awareness Day October 15 Invisible Disabilities Week October 17-23 National Disability Employment Awareness Month October Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Month October Down Syndrome Awareness Month October Dyslexia Awareness Month October Spina Bifida Awareness Month October
Planning for Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month Beginning months in advance Recruit diverse perspectives PLUS Representatives Testing Proctors Student Accessibility Staff Students Review academic calendar Reflect on previous years World Wide Web Pinterest Diverse activities Increasing knowledge Getting individuals active Variety of disability categories represented Lasting opportunities Incorporate areas of interest Consider students, faculty, & staff Review supplies needed vs. those in stock and the budget Keep in mind student rotation
Incorporating Students into the Planning and Implementation Discussed ideas and student interests with PLUS students and Accessibility students as seen Administrative assistant has additional access to students Collaborated with Small Group Communication Course Students were tasked with working collaboratively with an on-campus office to complete a project. Student Accessibility Services set the expectations for the project. Students provided feedback on activity ideas and incentives. Students organized an event. Students surveyed others. Students created a handout and social media post.
2020 Disability Awareness & Inclussion Month Year 1 Events Tie Dye Mask Party Students Blackboard Ally training Faculty Inclusion is Sweet (Awareness facts handed out on suckers) All Students with Autism Share the Perspectives Faculty & Staff Grit, Self-Determination, & Coaching Faculty, Staff, and Advisors People First: Interacting with Individuals with Disabilities Webinar for All Halloween Study Break Students Be an Ally All Co-hosted a Bonfire event Students Lesson Learned Awareness was primarily focused on faculty and staff, while inclusion was focused on students
2021 Disability Awareness & Inclussion Month Year 2 Events Weekly Tip Sheet Faculty & Staff Mask Tie Dye Students ASD Round Table Faculty & Staff Blackboard Ally Information All Making Sensory Bottles All Scavenger Hunt of Posters Displayed Students Pumpkin Decorating Students Student Panel All Co-hosted Bingo & Bonfire event Students Lesson Learned Great improvement on attendance from 2020 Students responded well to opportunities to be actively engaged
2022 Disability Awareness & Inclussion Month Year 3 Events Paint handprints on banner to show support of inclusion All Mental Health Awareness Presentation All Pause for Paws All New Testing Accommodation Process Explained Faculty Accessible Yoga All Pizza and Bingo Party Students Make Sensory Bottles All Dyslexia Walk All People First: Students shared their experiences All Make Stress Balls All Disability as Diversity Faculty Workshop Pumpkin Painting Students Lesson Learned Collaboration with other departments increases events and opportunities for learning (Counseling Center, Education Department, & Council of Exceptional Children Club)
2023 Disability Awareness & Inclussion Month Year 4 Events Goosechase Scavenger Hunt All Post a question Wings photo opp. Accessibility features search Student Accessibility sticker hunt Post a fact about a disability QR Code search Share-a-hobby Selfie next to Student Accessibility Services Mental Health Smash All Dyslexia Walk All Disability Mentoring Day All MU Talk: Experiences of Neurodiverse Students All Trivia Challenge All Student Accessibility Services Demystified All Costume Contest Students Lesson Learned Students respond well to competitive challenges and incentives. Events were easier to plan when geared for everyone.
Suggestions for Implementation & Sustainability Make sure to include students in the planning process. Collaborate with other departments. Keep current with trends and engaging activities. Avoid incorporating too much. Be cognizant of the events of others. Utilize technology to support success. Diversify your times and locations for events. Delegate responsibilities based on strengths and interests. Make sure to promote, promote, promote. 10. Share the success of each event and the month overall. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Thank you for attending! Additional questions? Contact: Dr. Lindsay Carr lcarr@muskingum.edu
