|
|
|
December 7, 2007
UIS Faculty, Staff and Students:
I am writing in regard to the report on WUIS radio on Tuesday, November 27, in which some people expressed concern about the services provided to UIS students with disabilities.
The report included some serious allegations. I take them very seriously. I assure you that I am looking into them.
Do some students have issues with our disabilities services? Yes, they do, and they have a right to express them. I promise you that whenever someone raises a concern, privately or publicly, we address it and work toward a resolution.
It is a major leap, however, from knowing that some students have concerns to concluding that there is a systemic problem related to disability services at UIS.
Do we want students to seek assistance if they have needs related to their disabilities? Absolutely! We have a new interim director of Disability Services, Susy Woods, whose credentials and people skills are extraordinary. We made a change in the management of that office earlier this year precisely so we could improve the ways in which we serve our students with disabilities and the faculty who work with those students. Please write to Susy Woods or call her at 206-6666 if you have any concerns or questions about the office or the services it provides.
Some of the allegations in the WUIS report are unfounded. For example, someone said that Lincoln Residence Hall is out of compliance with federal and state regulations, especially those regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. That is not true. The facility is ADA compliant. In fact, we have gone far beyond what is required to provide the best possible environment for our students. An expert from the Springfield Center for Independent Living recently conducted an accessibility evaluation at UIS and found us to be in compliance with ADA. In addition to that, Vice Chancellor L. Christopher Miller of Student and Administrative Services is planning to consult with an independent expert about ways to make our disability services ever more useful.
Also, I could say a lot about the many decisions that went into making The Recreation and Athletic Center accessible to all. The staff consulted with students with disabilities and was very intentional with the layout of each piece of equipment. The design allows all users adequate room to maneuver to/from equipment, and the staff is trained to help disabled patrons with use of the equipment. Additionally, our equipment provides many inclusive opportunities not previously available at UIS. For example, the newer options provide arm ergometrics, free weights, weighted pulley systems, or assisted systems with safeties.
I support our faculty and staff in Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, including Housing, TRAC, Facilities and Services, the Office for Disabilities, and the many classrooms, offices and other places where our directive is to go the extra mile to provide outstanding services to people with disabilities. I also want to thank them for meeting with the WUIS reporter, and discussing with her their efforts to help our disabled students.
Our goal is to do everything we can to make UIS a welcoming, safe and enriching environment for staff, faculty and students with disabilities. That goal is imperative and will never change.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |