Disability Resources and Services
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What's going on in DRS for the month of November.
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Midterms have come and gone, as has the best weather (unless you like it cold and dreary, as a couple people in the DRS office do), but autumn in the Burg brings many wonderful things... Like the Thanksgiving Holiday break.
With the month of November comes a lot of talk about thankfulness, and gratitude -- which is sometimes thrown in interchangably, and we wanted to make it a point to define the differences. Thankfulness is about an in-the-moment interaction that has satisfied a need or accomplished something that didn't seem possible. Gratitude is long-lasting, relationship building, and life-long. We're thankful to serve you, but we wanted to let you all know we're grateful you have selected to connect with DRS and use the services and support available to you. We are also grateful for your continued communication and feedback, which allows us to enhance services, and improve accessibility across campus.
We hope that in this month, in this season, and for the rest of this semester, you can find things for which to both feel thankful and find gratitude. We'd love to hear from you, if you want to share. And below we'll let you know about some ways we can share together.
The DRS office hopes you have a good holiday.
Get ready for finals!!
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Your Hub for Accommodation Info!
Remember, this resource is here to help you navigate everything related to accommodations.
Think of it like your go-to guidebook for handling student stuff. We're talking about things like sending your Disability Notification Letters each semester and getting your Alternative Testing requests squared away. We'll keep you in the loop with key updates throughout the year, and if there's a deadline coming up or some cool event brewing in DRS land: we'll make sure you're the first to know.
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Accommodation Reminders
Log in to the Student Portal to request accommodations, exams, and appointments with your disability specialist. Remember you must request your accommodations every semester.
Alternative Testing Requests: For students who plan to take exams in the testing center, all exam requests must be submitted at a minimum of three (3) business days before the date of the exam (seven 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 only. See: Alternative Testing Request Instructions for Students. If you have any questions, please contact DRS!
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Important Dates in November
November is COPD, Epilepsy, and Diabetes Awareness month. Among others.
Nov. 1: National Stress Awareness Day
Nov. 5: Daylight Savings Time Ends (set your clock back an hour!)
Nov. 7: Election Day! (Get out and vote if you can!)
Nov. 7: National Canine Lymphoma Day
Nov. 14: World Diabetes Day
Nov. 15: World COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Day
Nov. 16: National Pancreatic Cancer Day
Nov. 23: Thanksgiving (University Closed Nov. 23-24)
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DRS would like to thank everyone who attended our October College to Career virtual workshop!
The next workshop will be taking place on Thursday, November 16th. The topic will be Interviewing/Networking. This workshop will be offered in collaboration with the Career Center and we will be discussing information related to proper etiquette, attire, how to answer questions, what to bring with you, how to prepare, 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 to 4:00pm via Microsoft Teams.
The dates and topics are as follows:
November 16th – Interviewing/Networking
January 18th – Disability Disclosure
February 15th – Accommodations Overview
March 21st – Workplace Barriers
April 18th – Self-Advocacy
Be on the look out for more information, including instructions on how to attend the event.
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Peer Mentor Catch-up
November 8th 4:30 to 6:30pm
William Pitt Union - Kimbo Conference Room (near front entrance of the building on the left side).
Create Gratitude boards and share with other mentors/mentees something you are grateful for!
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Delta Alpha Pi Update
Congratulations to all of the candidates who ran for an office position with Delta Alpha Pi. Here are your officers for the 2023-2024 academic year!
President: Elizabeth Haudrich
Vice President: Harrison Burgess
Secretary: Nancy Ho
Treasurer: Savannah Rain Shannon
DAPi Upcoming Events:
General Body Meeting: November 2nd @ 6 to 7 PM, 540 WPU
General Body Meeting: November 30th @ 6 to 7 PM, 837 WPU
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Construction Impacts on Mobility
Check out this resource from Pitt Mobility for how construction projects around campus may affect mobility. It is intended to communicate traffic alerts, street closures, shuttles and regional bus planning tools.
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Create With Chronic Connections
This semester, Chronic Connections is working to give students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses a space to express themselves. They will be hosting an event with the Center for Creativity in The Workshop, which is in the basement of the University Store.
November 9, 4 to 5 pm. At these events, all of which are accessible to all students, they encourage any form of self-expression. You may create paintings, jewelry, music, poems, or anything else you can think of. This work may be an expression of life with a disability or chronic illness, a way to let off steam, or a way to show off your creative side. No artistic talent is necessary!
November 29, 6 to 8 pm, they will have a showcase in The Understory, which is in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning. This is a space to show off your artwork, created during or outside of the workshops, as well as performances or readings.
Hope to see you there!
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Opportunities / Research
18+ Sensory Sensitvity Night ~ Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
On Friday, November 3rd from 6 to 9pm, Carnegie Science Center (on the North Shore) will be hosting an adults-only 18+ Sensory Sensitive Night ~ TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition!
This relaxed-format evening ‘Behind the Science’ will include live demonstrations; hands-on activities; and access to some of our most popular exhibits, including: The Miniature Railroad and Village; Mars: The Next Giant Leap!; and the brand new traveling exhibit TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition!
Lights & sound throughout the museum will be adjusted to create a low stimulus environment; the Quiet Room will be open, and Sensory Backpacks are available upon request. Snacks, cocktails, and mocktails will be available for purchase in the RiverView Café.
Tickets are a flat $12 all-inclusive price, and can be purchased on the Science Center website, or they can be purchased as walk-up the night of the event, or by reaching out to our Call Center at (412) 237-3400.
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The National Leadership Program trains people who are committed to disability issues and plan to go into leadership careers in public policy, entertainment, advocacy, communications, diversity, equity, and inclusion, fundraising, philanthropy, or faith-based inclusion. Additionally, the program enables participants to gain skills and build contacts all while making a positive difference for people with disabilities.
We are seeking creative, results-driven individuals who want to achieve breakthrough results while receiving practical experience. The Fellowship is for juniors or higher in college and graduate students, as well as graduates and those in the early stages of their careers. It is also for people with disabilities who have lost their jobs and are currently seeking new opportunities.
Our National Leadership Program has been used as a stepping stone to acceptance into graduate school and has created pathways that lead to a variety of careers. This program is fully accessible for people with disabilities and offers full-time in-house job coaching, skills development, networking opportunities, and assistive technology. People with and without disabilities are encouraged to apply, but applicants must have a strong commitment to fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.
Applicants can choose from eight Fellowship tracks:
The priority deadline to apply for a Spring 2024 Fellowship is November 13. The Fellowship starts on January 22, 2024. All Fellows receive $17/hr, plus training, mentoring, and support in their job search.
Fill out the online application if you are interested. Send us your application as soon as possible so you don't miss out on this opportunity!
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Are You A Computing Student with a Disability?
Looking for an internship? Want to connect with peers and mentors with disabilities? AccessComputing might be able to help you with that.
AccessComputing, a National Science Foundation funded Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Alliance, provides mentoring and some limited funding for career development activities for students with disabilities in computing-related fields. This might include:
MENTORING: Through our online community, students and mentors discuss a variety of topics. It is a place to connect with others to share your successes, ask for suggestions regarding any issues that may arise for you related to your disability, education or employment, and to support other team members when they need help brainstorming solutions.
CONFERENCES: Interested in attending a conference related to computing, diversity, or professional development? AccessComputing might be able to provide funding for travel, registration, or accessibility-related costs. While we can't send every student to every event, we do fund many students each year to attend events like Grace Hopper, the Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, SIGCSE, and the Computing Research Association's Widening Participation events, among others.
RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS: Every year AccessComputing funds several students with disabilities to participate in the Computing Research Association's Distributed Research Experience for Undergraduates Program.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Age: Participants should be 18+.
Disability: At AccessComputing, we recognize that not all students with disabilities register with their campus disability/accessibility office and that they have a variety of reasons for not doing so. For that reason, we do not require our participants to be registered with their campus disability office, or to provide medical documentation of a disability as a condition of eligibility. We do require a self-report from you, discussing your disability and the ways in which it creates barriers for you. All information provided on the application is confidential and is only ever reported to the National Science Foundation in an aggregate manner. We define "disability" broadly and recognize invisible disabilities - psychological & emotional conditions & neurodivergence, for example - as barriers to student success.
Academics: Participants should be attending a US institution of higher education and studying in a computing-related field which will lead to one or more of the following degrees: Associates, Bachelors, Masters or a PhD.
International Students: Students holding F1 Visa who meet all of the above eligibility requirements are welcome to join AccessComputing but should be aware that funding is more limited, particularly as related to internships and research opportunities.
WHEN CAN YOU APPLY?
AccessComputing does not have an application deadline; because of the way our funding is designed, we can accept applications at any time throughout the life of the AccessComputing program - and guess what? We've been around for more than 15 years and have been successful enough that we're on our fifth consecutive NSF grant!
Find the student team member application and more information at the AccessComputing web page.
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Our capstone team is searching for wheelchair users and caregivers willing to provide feedback to help shape the design of our project.
Specifically, our team's goal is to improve the accessibility of sinks/bathrooms for wheelchair users. We would love the opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from fellow students! As we progress with this project, we will also be searching for students to help test iterations of our prototypes. If you are interested, please reach out to Rachel da Cruz
Additionally, we would really appreciate anyone who completes our quick Survey!
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Introducing Acts of Gratitude!
Disability Resources and Services (DRS) has recognized the value of gratitude and is actively encouraging individuals to participate in this powerful practice by installing the DRS Gratitude Board outside of 140 WPU. We are hoping to create a platform for people which aligns perfectly with the numerous benefits associated with gratitude.
As mentioned earlier, gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling but a practice that can have a profound impact on one's well-being. Actively participating in the expression of gratitude can help individuals reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase overall happiness. Moreover, gratitude has the power to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of connection and community.
DRS’s Gratitude Board is a symbol of this very concept. By sharing examples gratitude, we are not only promoting positivity and diversity but also encouraging unity and a sense of togetherness.
This serves as a reminder that gratitude is a universal practice, regardless of one's circumstances. It's a practice that can be incorporated into daily life, and even the simplest expressions can make a significant difference in one's personal life. By contributing to the Gratitude Board, you have the opportunity to inspire and uplift not only yourself but also those who read your messages.
For those who wish to participate in the Gratitude Board, there are two convenient options available.
Option 1: In-Person Participation
If you prefer to participate in person, you can stop by the Disability Resource and Services office at 140 WPU (William Pitt Union). Upon your visit, an office staff member will provide you with an index card. You can then jot down your acts of gratitude, expressing what you're thankful for in your life. This card will be displayed on the Gratitude Board, sharing your positive message with the campus community.
Option 2: Online Participation
If you'd rather not visit the office in person or prefer the convenience of emailing your response, you can still contribute to the Gratitude Board. Simply send an email with your response to DRSrecep@pitt.edu. The DRS team will take care of hanging your response on the board, ensuring that your expression of gratitude reaches a wider audience.
This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to a positive atmosphere in your campus community while also encouraging the practice of gratitude among your peers. Whether in person or online, your voice matters, and your expression of gratitude can make a meaningful impact. So, take a moment to share your acts of gratitude with us.
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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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