AHEAD in Texas

Association on Higher Education and Disability in Texas

2023 AHEAD in Texas Session Materials and Resources

Bridging our Students: Essential Tools and Resources to Implement a Recognized Campus Organization for Students with Disabilities

Sammi Fichter

March 27, 2023 9:30 am

Alamo

This presentation will explore how DS Offices can apply student organizations to their  service work in a way that credits student identity and experiences, encourages  advocacy and allyship. “Delta Alpha Pi is an academic honor society founded to  recognize high-achieving students with disabilities who are attending colleges (including  community colleges) and universities as undergraduate or graduate students. This  dynamic organization celebrates and supports academic achievement, leadership and  advocacy for post-secondary students with disabilities. Over 170 institutions have established a chapter to recognize students’ academic achievement.”

Session Attachments

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AT Tools to Support and Simplify Student Accommodations and Accessible Course Material

Rachel Kruzel

March 27, 2023 9:30 am

L. Mahncke

Accommodations and access to course materials can be challenging and time-consuming. Given the complexities of our learners, the variability of course materials, and the constraints of our offices, assistive technology has the capacity to support students and provide access. This session will explore how Texthelp tools can provide key AT to support accommodations and remediation and provision of accessible course materials.

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A Reminder of Why We Do What We Do in Disability Services

Marilyn Harren  

March 27, 2023 10:45 am

Alamo

This is a review of legal cases that affect why and how we do things in a disability office coming from someone who is not an attorney. The case that affects why we have interactive conversations about accommodations, the cases that affected the passage of the Amendments Act of 2008. We will review Guckenberger, Cutrera, Gill, and Wynne.

 

We will discuss the best practice case of the Dudley Decree. This session could help those new to the field and could be a reminder for others.

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Data: You Can Do It Too

Trevor Allison  

March 27, 2023 10:45 am

L. Mahncke

Information is the currency of the modern world. All areas of higher education are increasingly expected to practice “data-driven” decision-making and perform constant cycles of assessment. Statistics can be an overwhelming idea to many people, but the processes required to use information effectively can be relatively simple when planned  and structured effectively. This presentation will assist in building a framework from the ground up for information and data tracking in a Disability Services Office, no matter the office size or student population served. It will include discussion of specific data  measures, their meaning, and what action can be taken based on the gathered  information. It will also include guidance on tools and tips important in the data  gathering and reporting processes. Specific examples will be given from the DS Office of  a large, private, four-year university with a significant history of data and analysis.

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Party Animals? Discussing Emotional Support Animal Policies and Assessment

Joanna Timmerman

March 27, 2023 1:45 pm

Alamo

This program will discuss the growth of emotional support animals (ESA) as an accommodation. The presenters will review ESA trends and ideas for assessment, and the discussion will center around experiences and questions. Participants will leave with a better understanding of ESA policies and perhaps an idea about how their institution will face the many questions to come.

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The Disability Service Office- Compliance and Student Support: A Brief Overview for New Practitioner

Brett Haduch and Benson Kinyanjui

March 27, 2023 1:45 pm

L. Mahncke

This presentation is based on research gathered from experts in their respective fields and covers many topics relevant to college disability service practitioners. It is an overview of the disability services office, disability laws, the accommodation request process, and the students who utilize services, of which minority student groups will be the emphasis of discussion. It will serve as a resource for disability advisors, coordinators, and other professionals who work closely with college students with disabilities, and all who directly or indirectly interact with traditional, non-traditional, and transitional students with disabilities. It is a particularly valuable presentation for those new to the profession of disability services in higher education.

 

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Threat Assessment and Counseling Interventions- Students in Mental Health Crisis- Direct Threat and Otherwise Qualified Standard

Diego Demaya

March 27, 2023 3:00 pm

Alamo

Disclosures of psychiatric disabilities continue to increase exponentially while the ADAAA  shifted investigations to reject disciplinary action against students in mental crisis. Inclusive support and accommodation of emotionally fragile students is now required to  avoid compromising student success based on unfounded fears and stigma.

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Beyond Thought-Knowledge Only: Experiencing Differences

Jayne Withers

March 27, 2023 3:00 pm

L. Mahncke

A completely immersive experience that allows participants to move beyond a  “knowledge-only” understanding of students and actually ‘become’ the student.   Participants will temporarily take on a physical or mental-health diagnosis and  experience some of the challenges of everyday tasks.  The workshop will conclude with a  facilitator led discussion of the participant’s experiences, insights and questions.

Session Attachments

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Professional Identity by Design, Not Default

Erin Justyna

March 28, 2023 8:45 am

Alamo

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AIM User Group and Discussion

Tracey Foreman

March 28, 2023 8:45 am

L. Mahncke

This an opportunity for campuses that currently use (or are considering using) the Accessible Information Management (AIM) software system to share and collaborate on strategies and tips for how to best utilize the AIM system.

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The Campus Zoo: Managing Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals Through Compliant Policy(PART ONE) Under OCR and HUD Guidelines

James Whitfield

March 28, 2023 10:30 am

Alamo

This presentation will review both Service Animal guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Justice, and Emotional Support Animal guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The focus will be on how to develop  compliant guidelines and policies. This will be presented from the perspective of an  institution that recently completed a HUD settlement and what policies and procedures  were deemed to be acceptable and compliant.

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Making Accommodations Make Sense

Betsy Furler

March 28, 2023 10:30 am

L. Mahncke

Accommodations for students with disabilities can seem overwhelming to both students and faculty. Apps and software innovation have made them much easier to implement and more interesting to students. This session will discuss the benefits of accommodations to both students and professors. Betsy will highlight several case studies and how they can be easily resolved with accommodations that are easy to implement, inexpensive, and engaging.

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Keynote Address

Rob Duston

March 28, 2023 12:00 pm

Blueboonet Room

Baylor University’s Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA) is sponsoring our Keynote Speaker. Rob Duston, a legal scholar and partner with Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr in Washington, D.C. In his talk, Mr. Duston will discuss ADA trends, best practices, and common challenges across the nation.

This information is for conference attendees only.  All attachment and PowerPoint information is not to be shared.  If  you wish to download the information, please retain the copyright.

Session Attachments

The Campus Zoo: Managing Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals Through Compliant Policy Under OCR and HUD Guidelines (PART TWO)

James Whitfield

March 28, 2023 1:15 pm

Alamo

This presentation will review both Service Animal guidelines set forth by the U.S.

Department of Justice, and Emotional Support Animal guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The focus will be on how to develop  compliant guidelines and policies. This will be presented from the perspective of an  institution that recently completed a HUD settlement and what policies and procedures  were deemed to be acceptable and compliant.

Session Attachments

Challenging Engrained Ableist Practices in Higher Education

Brenda E. Aviles and Jessica N. Stone

March 28, 2023 1:15 pm

L. Mahncke

As disability services professionals across community colleges and universities, we aim to  foster a positive disability narrative that informs our campus culture. Unfortunately, sometimes we inadvertently develop ableist practices ourselves. This round table discussion will foster dialogue, understanding, and exploration of anti-ableism practices, beginning with a discussion of what ableism truly is.

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Texas Workforce Solutions- Vocational Rehabilitation Services: What You Need to Know

Marquita Greer and Julie Gunter

March 28, 2023 1:15 pm

T.C. Baker

This session will cover how Texas Workforce Solutions can assist college students with  disabilities achieve their academic and career goals.

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Panel Discussion: All Your Burning Questions and Hot Topics

Blayne Alaniz, Samantha Johnson, Tamara Mancini, Anna Shaw, and Dae Vasek

March 28, 2023 2:30 pm

Alamo

Panelists from two 4-year institutions, one 2-year college, and one health related  institution will discuss various hot topics and current trends in disability services.  Areas  of discussion may include: housing accommodations, ESA’s, service animals in health- related fields, personal care attendants (PCAs), satisfactory progress and tuition waivers, and attendance policies (modified attendance or due date extensions). The panelists hope to discuss topics that spark conversation between the other disability support specialists in the room in order to glean expertise from all participants in the session.

Session Attachments

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Collective Case Study of Land-Grant University Leadership Strategies for Students with Learning Disabilities

LaRachelle Samuel – Smith

March 28, 2023 2:30 pm

L. Mahncke

This study focused on leadership and self-determination for college students with  learning disabilities in the land-grant system. Two diverse institutions were central to  this study to fully understand the historical impact of leadership and policy from interviews, documents, and artifacts. Strategies and perspectives in this case study  fortify leadership for higher education and inform advocacy groups.

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A Tale of Three Students- Improving Campus Collaboration for Housing Accommodations

Toni Nogalski and Chelsea Quinlivan

March 28, 2023 3:45 pm

Alamo

An interactive tabletop case study following Baylor University’s Office of Access and  Learning Accommodation as they work with three students in need of Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) living in campus housing. Evaluate their process in collaborating with  the housing department, the Office of General Council, and create a plan to collaborate innovatively and effectively with similar partners on your campus.

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Supporting College Students with Autism

Kenzie Billeiter

March 28, 2023 3:45 pm

L. Mahncke

Students with autism attend college at higher rates each year. Therefore, there’s an increased need for university faculty and staff to accommodate their various needs. This session will discuss what autism may look like for college students, statistics and outcomes, and common barriers to providing services. The session will also provide resources, and tips, and will conclude with an interactive discussion.

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Structures/Practices Vital to Disability Resources and Services

Tom L. Thompson and Rosalind Blackstar

March 29, 2023 9:15 am

Alamo

This presentation/discussion will highlight the importance and details of three practices  that are vital in Disability Resources and Services. These are: (1.) Developing processes  and procedures, (2.) Onboarding and Coaching of new staff, (3.) Strategic and  Operational leadership.  The Presenter(s) will discuss how they have developed and  enhanced these practices at campuses where they have worked and invite participants  to share their work.

Session Attachments

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Keeping the Three Ring Circus Inside the Tent

Alicia Guevara

March 29, 2023 9:15 am

L. Mahncke

Are you serving in various roles and feeling overwhelmed with keeping it all straight? Do you ever struggle with how keeping boundaries clear between your roles? Do students and staff get confused about all your responsibilities? At this session, we’ll discuss ways to organize the chaos and provide better clarity for all.

Session Attachments

To Go or Not to Go to Class: That is the Question

Samantha Johnson and Tiffani Riddick

March 29, 2023 11:00 am

Alamo

This session will discuss the modified attendance and extension deadline accommodation. We will discuss best practices, implementation and how to discuss with  accommodation with faculty. As this accommodation becomes more prevalent, Disability  Services Offices should be prepared to review requests and determine if this is  reasonable for students with disabilities. Attendees will gain knowledge on how to assist students regarding this accommodation and communication strategies with faculty.

Session Attachments

From IDEA to ADA

Bret D. Cormier and Dr. Katherine Fugate

March 29, 2023 11:00 am

L. Mahncke

A presentation about how colleges/universities can prepare students and their families on the differences between IDEA and Section 504 accommodations. Educational and instructional requirements of colleges/universities and how the differences manifest themselves in a college classroom compared to public K-12 schools. This presentation will help you prepare students and parents for the transition from IDEA and Section 504  to America with Disabilities Act of 2008. This is a frequent challenge when working with incoming freshmen and their parents so come to the session so that you can begin to build your accommodations toolkit. This session is critically important because of the increase in the number of students entering college with issues such as specific learning disabilities, neurodiversity such as Autism as well as mental health concerns like anxiety that are impacting the diversity of colleges and universities.

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Optimizing Accessibility for Students who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing in the Zoom Era

J. Lindsey Kennon

March 29, 2023 1:45 pm

Alamo

The swift onset of the Zoom Era of courses have brought both opportunity and challenge to higher education.  Hosting online courses with students who are deaf and hard-of- hearing while providing full and equitable access to information can be among the challenging aspects.  Join this session to learn about best practices in providing optimal access to students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing with regard to Zoom sessions, course content, peer-to-peer interaction, and faculty-to-student interaction.

Session Attachments

There are no attachments available.

More Than a Case Manager: Mastering the Art of the Intake

Briaina Webster

March 29, 2023 1:45 pm

L. Mahncke

Every student on your caseload is unique. As we navigate this post-pandemic world of  hybrid interactions, the ability to connect is a skill set we must all possess. Connecting  with students during the intake process is critical for creating personable connections. Attendees will learn the art of mastering difficult conversations, keeping communication  simple, and improving student relationships.

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Learning From Laredo College: Creating a Comprehensive, Accessible Learning Environment with ReadSpeaker

Kathy Wood, Ginger Dewey, Adriana Craddock, and Beatriz Flores-Martinez

March 29, 2023 1:45 pm

T.C. Baker

In this panel discussion, hear how Laredo College used best practices, technology, and  accessibility tools to create a more comprehensive learning environment.  One area that needed attention was providing text to speech to ALL learners to increase student engagement and comprehension. Learn how Laredo implemented ReadSpeaker TTS and  accessibility tools within their Canvas environment to provide a holistic learner experience

Session Attachments

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Break Through Learning Barriers with Kurzweil

Alex Brookins

March 29, 2023 3:30 pm

L. Mahncke

Learn how Kurzweil Education can help students break through learning barriers with  accessibility features either on the web, or with any uploaded document. Simply utilize a  toolbar in your web browser, or upload your content to kurzweil3000.com and have access to text to speech, speech to text, talking dictionaries and language translation, highlighters and study skills tools, as well as writing support. Available with single sign  on and ability to work within your LMS and lockdown browsers.

Session Attachments

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Programs Offered by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Samuel Harris and Olivia Rains

March 29, 2023 3:30 pm

Alamo

This workshop will cover the 12 programs that the state of Texas offers for people who  are deaf or hard of hearing, their families, and service providers. Attendees may not be aware of all the resources available at the state and local level provided by the Deaf and  Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS). We will give an overview of: Driver ID program, STAP  telephone assistance program, the Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver, the Board  for Evaluation of Interpreters (BEI), training, CEUS, advocacy, Resource Specialist services, assistive technology demonstration and assessments and more.

Session Attachments

There are no attachments available.