Hello again,

Time is flying. (I accidentally wrote "fluing," and I can't help but feel that's also appropriate. Stay safe everyone!) Please come view our highly decorated gratitude board on resources for studying, testing, and other academic needs. (Further paper copies of all those documents are also available in the DRS office.)

Ruby the Therapy dog (seen above) is now a semi-regular member of the DRS office. While we don't have concrete days she'll be visiting, you're always welcome to stop by and see if she's in! There will usually be a note on the door denoting we have an animal guest.

This month in the newsletter we have another guest -- the winner of the Thornburgh Family Award for service in disability work: Zachary Miller. Please read all about this impressive individual below. Along with that, there's some other resources and opportunities, and a staff profile on the director of DRS -- Leigh Culley.

Finally, in partnership with DRS, the Career Center hosted their first Early Access Hour for this year’s Spring Career Fair. The event offered early access to students who may benefit from attending the event in a quieter setting, with fewer people, and more space to move from booth to booth. A big thank you to all who attended the Early Access Hour! The event was a great success, seeing many students take advantage of this unique opportunity. Given the success of this year's event, the Career Center plans to offer such programming for future Career Fairs as well. Be on the look out for additional information in the future!

Have a great Spring Break (woohoo!) and we'll see you next month!

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

Disability Notification Letters: Sent out each semester, you need to select the class and the accommodations you require.

Alt. 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.

Mar 1: Self-Injury Awareness Day, International Wheelchair Day, and Disability Day of Mourning
Mar 6: World Lymphoma Day
SPRING BREAK: March 10 through 17
Mar 10: National Woman and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Mar 10 through 16: World Glaucoma Week
Mar 21: World Down Syndrome Day
Mar 24: World Tuberculosis Day
Mar 25: National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

March is also the Awareness Month for Developmental Disabilities, Colorectal Cancer, Endometriosis, Essential Tremor, Multiple Sclerosis, and the Red Cross.

No events this month. However, there will be a mentor recognition party on April 3rd. (More details to follow.)

No events this month (as of this time).

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.

Meeting biweekly on Thursdays (next meeting 3/21) in WPU 909, from 8 to 9pm, the Diabetes Link @ Pitt is a student-run club aiming to bring diabetes education to the community on campus as well as in Pittsburgh and create space for Type One Diabetics at Pitt to feel supported and heard. We are open to everyone: those who are affected by T1D, have relatives with it, or are just interested in how we manage throughout college. 

To connect with us, please join our GroupMe!

JOIN OUR TEAM : HIRING PATIENT NAVIGATORS FOR
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES PROGRAM!

Do you identify as an independently functioning individual with a developmental disability (e.g., ASD) who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of other individuals with developmental disabilities? Do you possess the empathy and skills needed to guide and support them on their healthcare journey? Is so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Position: Patient Navigator for Developmental Disabilities Program

About Us: We believe in empowering individuals with deveopmental disabilities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Our team (base in the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing) is committed to providing comprehensive support and care, ensuring that every person receives the attention and assistance they deserve.

Role Overview: As a Patient Navigator, you will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare services and individuals with developmental disabilities. Duties include attending trainings, communicating via zoom and phone, and attending in-person appointments in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Salary is $20/hour, 10 hours/week, for ~February/March - October.
Most work is remote; some funds for transport to in-person days available.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advocacy: Be the voice for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring their needs are understood and met within the healthcare system.
• Coordination: Facilitate seamless communication between participants, healthcare providers, and support services to guarantee a holistic approach to care.
• Education: Provide education and resources to patients and their families, empowering them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
• Support: Offer emotional support and encouragement to individuals, helping them overcome challenges and barriers in accessing healthcare services.

Qualifications: Compassionate and empathetic nature, good communication skills, knowledge of developmental disabilities and the healthcare system.

To Apply: send an email to our Project Manager Nitya Dwivedi

Summer 2024 Research Experience for D/HH Undergraduate Students at the University of Tennessee is now open for applications
Please go to the following website for more details and how to apply
Application deadline is March 31, 2024.

Program Highlights:
• 10-week research training opportunity in genetics and molecular and cellular biology
• Individual research projects mentored by one of 13 faculty laboratories
• Weekly academic programs and professional development training
• A workshop about unique challenges and opportunities in STEM careers for D/hh individuals
• Weekly social activities
• $6,000 stipend
• Travel costs reimbursed
• Housing provided

Who should apply?
The goals of the program are to provide research experiences for Deaf and hard of hearing (D/hh) students, to improve awareness of Deaf culture, and to provide training in deaf education practices to the scientific community. Hearing students who know American Sign Language (ASL) or are interested in learning more about the Deaf culture are encouraged to apply too.

• Highly motivated Deaf and hard-of-hearing undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or other major in the Physical Sciences who are interested in molecular and cellular biological research and a career in STEM.
• Highly motivated hearing undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Chemistry, Physical Sciences, and/or Deaf Studies/Education who are interested in biological research and a career in STEM, as well as developing or refining skills in American Sign Language (ASL).
• No prior research experience is required. However, priority will be given to students who have completed at least one course in biology and/or chemistry.
• Undergraduates who will be attending a college or university in fall 2024 to work toward the Bachelor’s degree. (Graduating seniors are not eligible)
• United States citizens or permanent residents (required by NSF guidelines).
• Underrepresented groups or those who are the first generation in their families to attend college, are especially encouraged to apply.

For more information, please direct inquiries to:
Elena D. Shpak (Professor and REU director) eshpak@utk.edu
Cheryl Hodge (REU Administrative Assistant) chodge1@utk.edu

How long have you worked in Disability Services (at Pitt and beyond):
I started working in Disability Services at Pitt in 2000 as a graduate student assistant. Soon after graduating in 2002, I was offered a Disability Specialist position with the office. I became the Director in 2017. Prior to Pitt, I held various roles in community mental health working with adolescents and adults.

What drew you to DRS:
As a graduate student, I was fortunate to engage with disability services and begin to learn about the role that this office has in higher education. I loved interacting with students every day and playing a key role in their time at the University. As the opportunities expanded within the office, my interest in disability services grew. It has been a wonderful career path and I have been fortunate to establish very meaningful relationships with students, staff, and faculty over the past 22 years.

What’s your top tip for students requesting accommodations?
I believe it is very important for students to be proactive and initiate the process for requesting accommodations as early as possible. I like to emphasize the importance of clear and open communication with both DRS and individual faculty as this helps foster a collaborative and supportive environment. It’s also very important to understand DRS procedures and the responsibility that students have in working within these established procedures. If something is not clear or you need some additional support, it is essential that you reach out to DRS for clarification and assistance.

How many pets do you have and what are their names? (This is most important!)
I have a 13 year old black lab/border collie dog named Buddy and two cats, Pippa and Stormi.

I would like to express my greatest thanks to Ginny Thornburgh and her family for this wonderful honor.

I am Zachary Miller, a third-year BS/MS bioengineering student at the University of Pittsburgh. I founded SNAP, an organization dedicated to fostering equal opportunities and inclusivity for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Our Pitt-based club coordinates community events, including mural creation (currently displayed in Benedum Hall's first floor), Egg Hunts, Nature Walks, Trick-or-treating, and more (check our Instagram). Additionally, I established a research division focusing on developing new communication methods to enhance cross-neurotype communication.

My collaboration with the Regulation of Emotion in Autistic Adults, Children, and Teens (REAACT) Program, led by Dr. Carla Mazefsky and Dr. Caitlin Conner, explores the societal implications of such communication. The Geriatric Neuroimaging Psychiatry Lab under Dr. Howard Aizenstein and Dr. Akiko Mizuno contributes to other projects aimed at creating improved cross-neurotype communication methods. Beyond SNAP, I serve as a Team Lead with PALS Programs and collaborate with organizations like Autism Connection of PA, Friendship Circle, Autism Cares Foundation, Achieva, and Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh. I have also closely worked with UPMC to establish a volunteering disability ambassador program, ensuring that individuals with disabilities in hospitals have their needs and accommodations met during their stay. My future aspirations include earning my M.D.Ph.D. specializing in interventional neurology and biomedical engineering.

My older brother and younger sister both were diagnosed with ASD at a very young age. Since then, they have always inspired me and welcomed me into the neurodivergent community where I wanted to support them as much as I could.

For those passionate about making a difference in disability services, the journey begins by identifying ways to contribute to the broader community. If you are part of the community, consider how you can support both yourself and others. It all starts with a single idea, and the impact grows from there. I initiated the Spreading Neurodiversity Acceptance Project (SNAP) as a tutoring service, which has since expanded to support hundreds of individuals in various capacities beyond tutoring. Your potential remains unknown until you take that initial step.

SNAP is holding a Gardening Event on the Benedum Hall Lawn (at Pitt) on Saturday, March 2nd from 1 – 3 pm and our Annual Egg Hunt on the Cathedral of Learning Lawn on Saturday, March 23rd from 1 - 3 pm. All ages and abilities are welcome!

That's all for now! We'll see you next month.