Disability Resources and Services
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What's going on in DRS for the month of March.
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Only 6 More Weeks Until Finals!
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Hello,
It's rather frightening to realize that the end of the semester is quickly approaching. Which means for those students with Alternative Testing accommodations, you'll need to request your final exams as soon as possible! Remember, if you're taking your exams in the testing center, your finals must be requested at least 7 business days before the day of the final.
But aside from that terrifying proposition, we have some great content this month. We have a little profile on this year's Thornburgh Disability Service Award recipient, Katherine Du. The normal updates and postings about upcoming events are also there for your perusal.
As always, especially as the weather takes a (hopefully sustained) turn for the better, feel free to send any content to DRSrecep@pitt.edu. Especially as next month's newsletter will be the last of the school year. We'd love to celebrate our graduates, our students who made it through their first, second, or however years you've been at Pitt with some photos or thoughts!
Like the photo above, of the DRS team having volunteered at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Thanks for reading.
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Accommodation Reminders
Log in to the Student Portal to request accommodations, exams, and appointments with your disability specialist.
Alternative Testing Requests: All exam requests must be submitted at a minimum of three [3] business days before the exam. (Seven [7] business days for finals.) Business days exclude weekends and University observed holidays. Please note the Alternative Testing process is for in-person on paper exams. See: Alternative Testing Request Instructions for Students.
If you have any questions, please contact DRS!
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Join us for these upcoming sessions:
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Tuesday, March 18, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in WPU, Dining Room C (First Floor)
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Wednesday, March 26, from 10:00 am to Noon in WPU, Dining Room C (First Floor)
Do you have a question for DRS? Is there an assignment or task you’ve been putting off? Make a commitment to yourself and bring it to a Study Together session to get started.
What can you expect from Study Together?
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Drop-in study space exclusively for DRS students
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2-hour blocks of dedicated study time
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Short tips for getting started and staying productive, motivated, and organized
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Space for connecting with new and familiar peers
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Opportunity to find accountability partners and peers with which to study
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Check in with a disability specialist with questions and/or to make sure you're on the right track
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Light refreshments provided
*To inquire about access or request accommodations for this event, please contact DRS as soon as possible at drsrecep@pitt.edu or 412-648-7890.
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College to Career Virtual Workshop Series
Our next College to Career virtual workshop will be taking place on Thursday, March 20th. The topic will be Identifying Workplace Barriers.
We will be discussing information related to types of workplace barriers, how to identify barriers, ways to mitigate barriers, and much more!
As a reminder, the series is being offered to undergraduate students who are registered with DRS and is designed to prepare students with disabilities for entering the workforce by providing education related to resume writing, job selection, self-advocacy, disability disclosure, accommodations, and interview etiquette.
All workshops will take place from 3:00pm-4:00pm via Zoom. The dates and topics are as follows:
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April 10th – Self-Advocacy
Be on the look out for more information, including instructions on how to attend the event!
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Important Dates in March
March is Brain Injury, Colon Cancer, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, among many others.
Mar. 1: Self-Injury Awareness Day
Mar. 1: International Wheelchair Day
Mar. 1: Disability Day of Mourning
Mar. 9 through 15: World Glaucoma Week
Mar. 10: National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Mar. 21: World Down Syndrome Day
Mar. 24: World Tuberculosis Day
Mar. 25: National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
Mar. 26: Purple Day for Epilepsy
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This virtual Peer Support Space is here for all students with disabilities, offering a chill place to talk about challenges, find resources, and groove your way to a stronger support network. Whether you're navigating campus accessibility or just want to be heard, we've got you covered! Learn more and sign up for updates and reminders!
Meeting Dates and Zoom links:
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Tuesday, April 8th from 2 to 3 pm
Join the Zoom.
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Peer Mentor Catch-up
Peer Mentoring Group is going to the Zoo!
Be on the lookout for the email inviting the Peer Mentoring group to the Zoo on April 6.Transportation to and from campus is included, and there will be an animal encounter.
Join the Peer Mentoring Group!
Any first year students who is not currently in the program but would like to get involved, can reach out to DRSrecep@pitt.edu.
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Delta Alpha Pi Update
Delta Alpha Pi is hosting Professor Mark Paterson for a lecture on Disability and the Design of Social Robots. He will be speaking about assistive technology for people with disabilities. DAPi and Dr. Paterson will be in WPU 540 on Saturday, 3/22 at 2 pm.
DAPi members - Join the Group Me.
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Student Disability Coalition
SDC is continuing Office Hours in 303 O'Hara.
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Mondays after 11:00 am
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Tuesdays 11:00 am to 12:30 pm and after 3:00 pm
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Wednesdays after 11:00 am
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Thursdays 1:30 to 5:00 pm
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Fridays after 11:00 am
Disability Coalition is searching for interested students to fill leadership roles for the upcoming academic year. Students can learn more by attending this Saturday’s Election Info Sessions in WPU 822. Sessions will take place at 2 pm and 4 pm. Students can learn more by contacting us at disabledatpitt@gmail.com.
Election Information Meetings - in WPU 822:
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Session 2: Saturday, March 15, 2:00 pm
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Session 3: Saturday, March 15, 4:00 pm
Chronic Connection Weekly Support group meetings:
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Monday, 3/17 at 6:30 pm in WPU 909
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Thursday, 3/27 at 8:00 pm in WPU 822
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Monday, 3/31 at 6:30 pm in WPU 909
Autistic Students Union
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Special Interest Show-and-Tell on March 26 at 7:00 pm in WPU 837.
PRISM
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Sticker Sale in Towers Lobby on 3/21 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
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Arts and Crafts Night on 3/25 in WPU 918 at 6:00 pm
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The Tunnel of Oppression is an interactive event offering participants the opportunity to better understand the experiences of marginalized communities, as well as actionable ways they can become allies.
DRS is including student entries in an exhibit during this event.
Student Affairs will host the Tunnel of Oppression on Friday, March 14th in the Assembly Room, WPU, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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Love Your Body Resource Fair
Friday, April 4th | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
William Pitt Union Plaza (Rain location: WPU Lower Lounge)
Prevention at Pitt and the Office for Inclusion and Belonging have planned a resource fair to highlight Pitt and community support services, clubs, and education available to Pitt community members who have been impacted by sexual misconduct. This year’s theme will be focused on loving your body and holistic well-being as essential aspects of healing and prevention. Self-care resources will be provided at this fair.
For more events please visit the Prevention at Pitt webpage.
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Campus Construction Impacts on Mobility
The Office of Planning, Design, and Construction is introducing three ways to keep you updated on campus changes due to preservation and construction projects. The goal is to help students, staff, and the Oakland community stay informed and navigate campus safely.
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NotifyU Text and Email Alerts - Receive text and email alerts from NotifyU about construction and facility updates, such as road closures, detours, and elevator outages. To subscribe, visit my.pitt.edu, search for NotifyU, select "Opt-In Lists," and check "Construction and Facilities." Alternatively, text “Sub [Your Pitt Username] CAF” to 1-970-610-6092.
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Map.pitt.edu - View construction updates on map.pitt.edu. Use the map to view active closures for Pitt projects by selecting "Construction" in the map key.
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Newsletter - PDC is launching a newsletter with updates on project progress, upcoming road or garage closures, and other news about campus construction. It will help you stay informed and plan for detours or delays. Subscribe now to ensure you receive the first edition!
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We are excited to introduce the Wellness Concierge Program (WCP), a new, free service designed to support Pitt students’ success through personalized, peer-led wellness guidance. Through one-on-one meetings with Peer Wellness Coaches, students can explore wellness practices, set personal goals, and connect with valuable campus resources to enhance their well-being and overall college experience.
This program offers a unique opportunity for students to receive personalized support in a peer-to-peer setting to help explore action plans, wellness strategies, and connecting to campus resources.
Scheduling is open! To schedule for a meeting with a peer coach, please visit: Wellness Concierge Program
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Inclusion and Belonging Place (IBP) Event Space
The Inclusion and Belonging Place (IBP) is developed and operated as a partnership between the University Library System (ULS) and the Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (OEDI). It is located on the first floor of Hillman Library, to the left of Saxby's Cafe.
View the ULS Event Policies and reserve the space on the ULS website or learn about other spaces available in the library.
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Call for Makers: C4C Creator Fair
The Center for Creativity is looking for makers for its first C4C Creator Fair. The fair will give participants a chance to showcase their creative work, network with peers, and learn more about what goes into being a tabling artist.
We're looking for creators in a variety of mediums, including but not limited to 2D, 3D, fiber, and book arts; comics/zines; jewelry; metal- and woodworking; and more.
Space at the C4CCF is limited, so if you're interested, please complete an online application no later than Monday, March 17. Pitt undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff are all invited to apply.
The fair will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 12 to 4 pm at C4C: The Understory. More details to come.
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AFB is excited to launch our AFB Scholars Program! Through the generosity of the Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund, this program invests in blind students, supporting and empowering them to serve as change agents in creating a more equal and inclusive world.
Available Scholarships
The Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund supports three scholarship tiers to support postsecondary education for blind students; renewable annually.
Undergraduate - $20,000
Graduate - $28,000
Scholar Expectations
AFB’s goal is to cultivate future blind leaders. During the academic year, AFB Scholars will be required to:
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Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
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Participate in mentorship activities with AFB Leaders
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Participate in One Approved Annual Conference with Staff
Application Window: February 10 - March 21, 2025
Notification of Shortlist: March 31 - April 9, 2025
Interviews: April 10 - 25, 2025
Final Award Announcements: May 5 - 16, 2025
Have questions about the application process? You can reach out to us at inclusivefuture@afb.org.
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National Organization on Disability's Virtual Career Fair 2025
Thursday, April 17 at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Start Your Career Journey Today!
Looking for internships? Full-time, part-time opportunities? Meet members of the National Organization on Disability
Why Attend?
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Meet top employers offering roles in various industries
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Discover internships and full-time positions of your career goals
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Undergrads, grads, vocational program, a few years out of school, this is your chance to shine!
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Who Should Attend?
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Undergrad, graduate, doctorate students, graduates a few years out from school
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Have a 504, IEP, school accommodations anytime of your education
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Value accessible and inclusive opportunities
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Excited to connect with forward-thinking inclusive employers
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What You Need:
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Computer or mobile device with internet access
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Updated resume
Register Today and Secure Your Spot!
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Do you have a motor impairment or have blindness/low vision? You may be eligible for a research study to see if teaching people with disabilities how to use a smart speaker can help them to use the technology. Participants try an online training program about using an Amazon Alexa device and complete an interview on the usefulness and limitations of the material.
AGE: 18 and older
DURATION: approximately 2 weeks
VISITS: at your own pace at home
LOCATION: Online & At home
COMPENSATION: Participants will be able to keep the Alexa device
Learn More.
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ULS Research and Development (R&D) in the Open Lab Undergraduate Internships
Blending research skill acquisition with creative making activities, the Research and Development in the Open Lab Undergraduate Internships prepare students for success in career endeavors related to critical making and technology-engaged research. Please share this opportunity with your students who want to gain experience in both foundational digital competencies and the skills of contemporary digital scholarship through collaborative, project-based work.
Apply today!
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Dr. Teresa Lynn Wells Haven’s professional career in disability services included work at the University of Arkansas, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. In each position, Teresa repeatedly demonstrated her strong knowledge of accessibility in the technology environment as she continually worked towards creating a more accessible digital world. Her involvement in ATHEN is only one example of Teresa’s commitment for equity and inclusivity. In November 2016, ATHEN members unanimously voted to create this scholarship opportunity in Teresa Haven’s honor.
The application deadline is April 15, 2025.
Teresa Haven Scholarship Eligibility and Award Information:
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Enrollment in a post-secondary institution in the United States during the award period or evidence of acceptance to a postsecondary institution in the United States immediately following the award period (i.e. award granted in May, student must be accepted to a postsecondary institution for Fall semester of that same year.)
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Must be a student with a disability
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Registration for a minimum of six (6) credit hours per quarter/semester
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Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
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The award amount is $1,000 payable via check to the award recipient
The Selection Committee will make award decisions based on the following selection criteria:
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Disability-related leadership and service
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Academic achievement
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Well-articulated goals
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Two letters of support
Please fill out the application form for the Teresa Haven scholarship.
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On display Saturday, March 1 through Sunday, August 17
Break the stigma. Build understanding. Start the conversation.
Step into an immersive journey designed to break stigma, build understanding, and spark important conversations. The “Mental Health: Mind Matters” traveling exhibition brings the science of mental health to life through immersive exhibits and personal stories, offering a deeper look into the complexities of mental well-being.
This experience is included with General Admission to Carnegie Science Center.
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2025 Dick Thornburgh Disability Service Award - Katherine Du
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I am honored to now be a small part of the amazing work that the Thornburgh Forum does in uplifting and supporting disability advocacy in Pittsburgh and beyond! To meet and hear from a tight-knit community that is personally motivated to improve accessibility and representation for persons with disabilities at the Thornburgh Family Lecture on Law and Public Policy was inspiring.
What is your area of study at Pitt?
School of Medicine 3rd year student
What drew you into having an interest in Disability Service?
Hosting youth mental health sessions as a founder of Mindful Exchanges over the last five years, a conversation topic that arose was around ability/disability when dealing with mental health sequelae. Additionally, hosting mindfulness activities for vision-impaired youth at the Western PA School for Blind Children showed me the importance of adapting curriculum to the needs of participants with disabilities.
What would you say to other students who have an interest in serving the disability, and greater community?
The disability community is very welcoming. First get to know the members, to see what resources they could use and how you can best contribute!
Congratulations, Katherine!
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That's all for now! We'll see you next month.
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What do you want to see in DRS' monthly newsletter? Want to share an experience or give some Pitt survival tips? Let us know by emailing DRSrecep@pitt.edu with "Newsletter" in the Subject line.
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