October brings over fifteen monthlong national awareness campaigns celebrating and spreading the word about disabilities. Just a few are listed below in our Important Dates in October section. One of those campaigns is the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Per the Department of Labor’s website: “NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.” The theme for this year is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.” This month DRS Director, Leigh Culley, will explain how NDEAM can apply to you.

We hope you have a great beginning to the actual fall season in Pittsburgh! Make sure to remember your jackets and umbrellas. Also check out upcoming Peer Mentoring events. Speaking of Peer Mentoring, this month we are also featuring a spotlight on Jen Thompson who, as well as being a Disability Specialist, oversees the Peer Mentoring program! 

We’d love to hear from you: email us at DRSrecep@pitt.edu. Send us an update on your classes so far this year. What uncommon tips you use to navigate your day that might benefit others? Or send us anything else you can think of!

See you next month.

Please remember to log in to the Student Portal to request accommodations, exams, and appointments with your disability specialist.

Alternative Testing Requests: Exam requests must be submitted at a minimum of three (3) business days before the exam (Seven [7] business days for finals). This excludes 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.

Oct. 6: World Cerebral Palsy Day

Oct. 8: National Depression Screening Day

Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day

Oct. 12: World Arthritis Day

Oct. 20: World Osteoporosis Day

Oct. 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day

Oct. 25: International Dwarfism Awareness Day

October is also AIDS Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, among many other notable causes.

Several students attended the Presentation from the Study Lab to learn about academic resources on campus.

Thanks to all who attended the Welcome Back Bash and participated in the “Get to Know You” activities! We have heard from several mentees and mentors who have already connected with each other, and it went well!  Please continue this effort and let DRS know if you are experiencing any difficulty.

Upcoming Events:

October 4th Mentor Panel
3:00-5:00pm, WPU 538

Now that you have been on campus what questions do you have regarding navigating your workload, social life, and anything in general.  Bring these questions to the mentor panel and hopefully get the inside scoop.

October 26th Fall Harvest Game Night
5:00-7:00pm, WPU Kimbo Conference room, first floor
More details to come

Have any ideas for a speaker, craft or get together? Email Jen Thompson at jet119@pitt.edu

Don’t forget: One of the Mentors created a GroupMe to join to talk about planning events and meet ups with each other.

Eye to Eye is a national mentoring program that pairs college students who have learning disabilities/ADHD with middle school students who have learning disabilities, and uses an art-based curriculum to create a safe space to facilitate discussions about skills such as metacognition, self-advocacy, and to celebrate our unique strengths as people who learn differently. On campus, Eye to Eye is also a way for students and their allies to connect as a community and raise awareness about learning with a LD or ADHD by hosting events and fundraisers. If you would like to request additional information, please email eye2eyepitt@gmail.com or reach out directly to Meera Shamiyeh and Lydia Blazey. H2P!

Name and title:
Jen Thompson, MEd - Disability Specialist

How long have you worked in Disability Services (at Pitt and beyond):
Worked almost 20 years in Disability Services, 5 ½ years at Pitt and started with Disability Resources and Services in Jan. 2021.

What drew you to DRS?
I love helping students with disabilities and especially like the Post-Secondary education students since I can help teach them to advocate for themselves and enjoy watching them reach their academic goals.

What’s your top tip for students requesting accommodations?
Make sure your request is reasonable and you can clearly articulate how the accommodation will help mitigate your symptoms.

How many pets do you have and what are their names? (This is most important!)
Max almost 3 (Mini goldendoodle) & Ruby 3 (Standard Doodle) *Since filling out this questionnaire, Jen has also gotten a kitten named Nittany.

by Leigh Culley, DRS Director

Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of employees with disabilities. This year’s theme, Disability: Part of the Equity Equation, recognizes the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce. A disability-inclusive workplace is an accessible workplace, including physical accessibility, technological accessibility, and attitudinal accessibility, one that makes people with disabilities feel welcome and valued. Accessible workplaces benefit all individuals.

As a college student, transitioning from college to employment may not be in the forefront of your mind, however it is important to consider your disability as it intersects with employment. 

Develop a History of Work Experience
While in college, look for opportunities to gain work experience. This could include volunteer positions with campus or community-based organizations, service leaning opportunities, campus work study, off-campus jobs, internships, and campus leadership positions.

Know Your Legal Rights
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act assures equal access and non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities employed in companies with 15 or more employees. It is important to recognize how equal access may apply in the employment setting in relation to disability. Consider whether it is necessary to disclose your disability to perform your job functions and if so, when and to whom do you disclose? Employers will have a designated person or office who manages employment accommodations, and this is typically the best place to begin the dialogue.

Start the Process Early
Consider the impact your disability may have on your job performance and on your ability to perform requirements of the job. Assess the work environment, the amount of co-worker or peer interaction, essential functions that must be performed, and how performance is evaluated.

Determine Effective Job Accommodations
Understanding your job responsibilities and the impact your disability may have on your ability to perform are critical. Employees are expected to perform the essential functions of their job with or without reasonable accommodations. Accommodations may include assistive technology, modified schedules, physical space modifications, to name a few. The Job Accommodations Network is an excellent resource to explore accommodations.

Identify and Use a Support System
Support systems can be valuable as you transition from college to employment. In addition to your family, friends, and co-workers, many employers have established mentoring programs for new hires. Take advantage of any opportunities available in your workplace.

Adapted from Learning Disabilities Association of America ldaamerica.org

That's all for this month!