DREAMS Club Newsletter - Vol 1 ed 1 Feb/Mar 2013

1. D.R.E.A.M.S. Club Newsletter
February/March 2013—Volume 1, Issue 1
of someone with a disability, and 3) students of both
Inside this issue:
Santa Fe Community College or the Higher Education
Center who are going into health and social service ca-
1 About the D.R.E.A.M.S. Club
reers, including but not limited to: Nursing, Dental,
2 Disability Services—How it works. Teaching, ASL interpreting, Psychology, Human Ser-
vices, Social Work, and Education. We also accept com-
3 Inclusive Restrooms at SFCC munity members into our club. Everyone in our club is
treated as an equal, respected, accepted, and valued
Disabilities Awareness Advocate Encourages human being, whose opinions and goals matter.
4-5 Students with Disabilities to Study Abroad—
The D.R.E.A.M.S. Club is becoming a very active
Wesley Morton
club on campus. The goals of the club are, in part, to
6 Contact the DREAMS Club provide peer support to all club members; to build stu-
dent connections between students going into social
service professions and students with disabilities to
Unless otherwise noted:
build a greater understanding of the needs and rights of
Written and Edited by: Kathlyne Gish those with disabilities, and share awareness of commu-
Layout and Design: Kathlyne Gish nity resources available or needed. We also provide
leadership opportunities, because together we really
Photo editing: Linda Rawson
can make a difference both at Santa Fe Community Col-
lege and in our community.
Find the D.R.E.A.M.S Club newsletter online at:
We are building community affiliations with organi-
http://dreamsclubnm.blogspot.com/p/
zations and non-profits that we recognize as supporting
club-newsletters.html or actively assisting people with disabilities in New Mex-
ico. We are officially affiliated with Las Campanas Com-
About the D.R.E.A.M.S. Club padres, and Public Allies of New Mexico (an AmeriCorp
program), and we recognize and thank them for the
The D.R.E.A.M.S. Club is a new student club at wonderful work they do to serve people in our commu-
Santa Fe Community College. D.R.E.A.M.S. stands for nities. And at SFCC we are grateful for the support of
Disability Rights, Education, Advocacy, and Mutual the Student Government Association, Student Ambas-
Support. We are currently comprised of thirty-one sadors, The Office of Student Development, The Disabil-
SFCC students, and two community members. We are ity Services Office, especially our club sponsor Vaune
primarily students who are either: 1) a student with Hegmann, and the numerous clubs, fellow students,
any type of disability (documented or undocumented, and faculty and staff members who have actively ex-
and disclosure is not required). 2) the family member pressed their support for the D.R.E.A.M.S. Club. ▪

2. Disability Services—How it Works.
In college it is the student’s responsibility to initiate the Step 3: Accommodations
request to receive accommodations. At Santa Fe Com-
munity College, Disability Services is here to assist stu- After eligibility for services is determined, you will receive
dents with disabilities so that we receive the support an accommodation letter from Disability Services.
and accommodations we need to be included in college
courses and activities. You will give the letter to your instructor. The instructor is
required to provide the accommodations that are stated
on that form. If an instructor asks what your disability is,
Even if you do not have documentation of a disability,
you are not required to disclose that information.
but suspect you may have one, speak with a liaison in
the Disability Services office. They may be able to assist
you or provide guidance and advice. What happens if an instructor does not understand
the process to provide a student with accommoda-
Currently Disability Services assists approximately 200 tions?
students with all types of disabilities. Here are some Tell your instructor to call the Office of Disability Services
common questions you may have been wondering: to clarify your accommodations or to receive assistance
they need to provide accommodations to you.
What are some common accommodations that
students with disabilities receive? What can a student do if an instructor fails to pro-
vide accommodations?
Tell someone in Disability Services immediately if an in-
 Services for deaf and hard of hearing students
structor states that they cannot provide a documented
 Interpreters, readers, and scribes
accommodation to you, or if they do not provide you with
 Note takers (who may be compensated)
the accommodations they have been notified
 Extra time on exams
of. Instructors are required to provide reasonable accom-
 Private room and alternate testing arrangements
modations requested by the Disability Services office.
 Textbooks in alternate format
 Assistive technology needs
 Connecting students to community resources How much time in advance do I need to give Disabil-
ity Services in order to get accommodations?
What is the process to receive accommodations? Most reasonable accommodations may be arranged with-
Students with disabilities who are interested in receiving in ten business days. Students receiving reasonable ac-
services while at SFCC should get in contact with Disabil- commodations have a responsibility to notify the Disability
ity Services. The process for receiving services is accom- Services office of their need for accommodations in a
plished in three easy steps: timely manner.
Step 1: Contact Disability Services All contact with Disability Services is confidential.
Call or come by for an appointment or to make an ac-
commodation request. To contact the Office of Disability Services
call or visit their office.
Step 2: Intake/Eligibility Appointment
They are located in the lower level of the West
Set up an intake appointment with a Disability Services Wing.
Liaison to review your needs and your accommodation Room 313
requests. Phone: 505.428.1711
Office hours:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday
Page 2 D.R.E.A.M.S. Club Newsletter February/March 2013—Volume 1, Issue 1

3. Inclusive Gender Neutral Restrooms at Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe Community College has four gender neutral
restrooms on campus. These restrooms are universally
designed, meaning they were designed so that the ma-
jority of people with a variety of needs and abilities can
access and utilize them. These restrooms are single
stall and offer more privacy than traditional restrooms
on campus. The gender neutral restroom in the Fitness
Education Center has a wheelchair accessible shower
and dressing area as well.
These inclusive restrooms are ideal for anyone who…
 Has a disability and needs a more accessible space.
 Has a disability and needs an attendant, especially
of a different gender.
 Are parents or guardians with children of a different
gender.
 Is transgender or gender non-conforming.
 Anyone who needs the additional safety or privacy
a single stall restroom provides.
For more information on gender neutral restrooms,
please contact Jessica Lawless by email:
Jessica.lawless@sfcc.edu
For more information on Universal design and disability
issues, please contact Vaune Hegmann by email
vaune.hegmann@sfcc.edu
February/March 2013—Volume 1, Issue 1 D.R.E.A.M.S. Club Newsletter Page 3

4. Disabilities Awareness Advocate Encourages Students with Disabilities to Study Abroad
their urban projects. “Vivir sem limites” (Live without
limits) is a national plan announced by Brazilian presi-
dent Dilma Rousseff intended to increase national ac-
cessibility standards for people with disabilities.
While offering praise of Brazil’s accessibility efforts
to prepare for these international events, Guida
acknowledges the necessity of maintaining a broad and
long-term sustainable vision. “Brazil needs to think
beyond these two events and not just prepare stadi-
ums, but prepare for their cities to be accessible for
everybody at all times.” Examples of accessible urban
features are cut-curbs and ramps with gentle inclines
Professor Gilberto and Guida Leicester for people such as herself–-a wheelchair user--with par-
at Niteroí State Park– south of Rio de Janiero, Brazil ticular mobility needs.
As she was studying abroad, Guida experienced
differences in cultural values between the U.S. and Bra-
Interview and article by Wesley Morton
zil. She notes that the individualistic culture in the U.S.
G uida Leicester is a person living her life with
passion. She recently returned from 6-weeks
studying abroad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil--the realization
contrasts with the more communal mindset in Brazil.
This collective identity means Brazilians are quick to
jump in and help in certain cases. She witnessed
of a dream she has had for most of her life. A dream groups of Brazilians coming together to lift disabled
she has worked hard to make real. individuals into vehicles and up stairs in places where
In 2002 following a black widow spider bite, Guida universal access wasn’t available—a response not com-
suffered a massive right brainstem stroke. The stroke mon in her life in the U.S.
left her compromised and weak on her left side, limiting The journey presented Guida with challenges. Dur-
her mobility and affecting her speech, hearing and vi- ing her last week in Rio de Janeiro, she was told that a
sion. field trip she had signed on for was not accessible and
“Before I had my stroke I had a dream. A dream that a member of faculty had forgotten to inform her
I’ve had since I was in my twenties to study Portuguese weeks earlier of this. After the missed excursion Guida
in a study abroad program in Brazil.” Lying in the ER came to find out that the site actually WAS accessible.
after her stroke Guida felt her dream had slipped away. This missed opportunity could have been avoided had
her opinion been sought out and included in the deci-
Yet, the stroke was a pivotal moment for her—a sion-making that concerned her.
wake-up call and ultimately a powerful motivator. As a
result of this total life upheaval, she feels a door was This experience underscores the importance of
opened to greater meaning and purpose in her life. having direct contact with the people in your program.
Guida wants to use her story, her journey and her Face-to-face contact, with the organizers of your jour-
knowledge to inspire people with disabilities to embark ney—faculty and program administrators—is best. The
on study abroad adventures of their own. individuals in charge of the program need to know you,
and see you in person. This will help decrease assump-
Speaking of her study abroad experience, Guida tions made on your behalf and will give your voice the
gives high praise to Brazil’s national movement for disa- space to be heard, acknowledged, and incorporated
bilities awareness. Brazil will host the 2014 World Cup into all levels of planning. Being open and transparent
and the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. about what your limitations are in the context of travel-
These are opportunities for the country to incorporate ing abroad will be to your benefit and will make for a
greater accessibility and more universal design into more enjoyable and customized experience.
Page 4 D.R.E.A.M.S. Club Newsletter February/March 2013—Volume 1, Issue 1

5. Continued...
Guida envisions disabilities trainings for administra- (miusa.org) as a great website to start investigating the
tors and programmers of international study programs possibilities.
to raise awareness around limitations, accessibility, and
Guida’s study abroad experience is informing her
universal design. These trainings would help programs
work as a graduate student at UNM. Her inquiry project,
to better understand the laws and legal standards in host
“University Students with Disabilities and Study Abroad
countries, as well as train public transportation profes-
Programs,” is an exploration of the unique issues, barri-
sionals how to properly lift people with disabilities in and
ers, and possibilities inherent in international exchange
out of vehicles.
for individuals with disabilities. Her thesis is a reflection
I asked her what her message is to students who as- of her dedication to opening the way for others to study
pire to study abroad and who are living with a disability. abroad.
“Go for it. Do it, do it, do it.” Preplan carefully. Consid-
Guida is a featured presenter at the upcoming disA-
er, “What are my medical needs? What are my equip-
BILITY Awareness Fair, April 4th, 2013 at Santa Fe Com-
ment needs?” Find out what equipment you will need in
munity College. She will present on the theme of Study
your country of choice and whether you should acquire
Abroad for People with Disabilities. ▪
the equipment in the U.S. or upon arrival in your destina-
tion. Airlines will provide free shipping to the country if Guida’s blog has wonderful stories and relevant in-
they know you are a person with a disability. Guida formation for study abroad. Check it out:
found American Airlines to be a good airline for this. http://guidario2012.wordpress.com/
Communicate as much as possible with the people in “Nothing About Us Without Us” is the title of a blog
the program, in your university, as well as the host coun- post on Mobility International USA’s website featuring
try before departure. Once you arrive at your destina- Guida’s Study Abroad experience (http://
tion, be flexible. You will have to adapt. For example, www.miusablog.org/2012/12/nothing-about-us-without
you may have ten people helping you and your wheel- -us/).
chair up a flight of stairs as opposed to using an elevator
because there might not be one. If you are going to a
country where a different language is spoken, learn the
terms for your disability in that language. March is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education
For students with a disability, studying abroad is typi-
and Rehabilitative Services Rehabilitative Services Administra-
cally more expensive because of medical, equipment, tion defines learning disabilities as:
and living accommodation needs. Investigate fellow-
ships and scholarships. Talk to your Department of Vo-  A disorder in one or more of the central nervous sys-
cational Rehabilitation (DVR) early on. The Rotary Club is tem processes involved in perceiving, understanding, and/
a good source for funding opportunities, and the Mobili- or using concepts through verbal (spoken or written) lan-
ty International USA website also has good information guage or non-verbal means.
on scholarships and other types of funding.
 This disorder manifests itself with a deficit in one or
Guida’s study in Rio de Janeiro was made possible by more of the following areas: attention, reasoning, pro-
the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellow- cessing, memory, communication, reading, writing,
ships program through the U.S. Department of Educa- spelling, calculation, coordination, social competence, and
tion, an opportunity she found through UNM’s Latin emotional maturity.
American Iberian Institute (LAII). http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/dislearning.html
To get started students should work with their office
“A social inclusive society is defined as one where all peo-
of international studies as well as their accessibilities ser-
vices office on campus. Also find the international office ple feel valued, their differences are respected, and their
in your host country and be in communication with basic needs are met so they can live in dignity.”
them. She recommends Mobility International USA ~The Social Inclusion Act, Canada~
February/March 2013—Volume 1, Issue 1 D.R.E.A.M.S. Club Newsletter Page 5

6. D. R . E . A . M . S . C l u b
The D.R.E.A.M.S. Club was created with loving memory of:
Mailing Address: Derrick Roybal
Santa Fe Community College
Attn: Office of Student Development 11-08-1976 to 10-07-2008
C/O Janet Berry
6401 S. Richards Avenue
Santa Fe , NM 87508
E-mail: DreamsClubNM@gmail.com
Facebook: SFCCDREAMSCLUB
Blog: DreamsClubNM.blogspot.com
Article Submissions
Interested in contributing to this news-
letter?
DREAMS Club is now accepting news-
letter article submissions, information,
and article ideas of the following:
 Information and Resources
 Article ideas Derrick on the Ropes Course Field at SFCC in 2008
 Any non-published articles
Member of
Please submit the proposal or draft of Student Ambassadors and the Student Government Association.
the article by email to:
Student Representative on the Governing Board,
DreamsClubNM@gmail com
Please add the subject line: and much more.
“Submission of Newsletter Proposal”
He was determined to be included.
*Sorry, we are unable to pay for article
submissions at this time.*
DisABILITY Awareness Fair
FREE Public Event Sponsored by the D.R.E.A.M.S. Club
Thursday, April 4, 2013  Student and Community workshops
on topics related to disability
10 am to 5 pm
 Film, “When Billy Broke His Head”
Santa Fe Community College
 Information and resource tables
Main Hall and Jemez Rooms
 Local community agencies
For more info, email us at:
DreamsClubNM@gmail.com  Students and the General Public are
Welcome to Attend!
Blog Page: http://dreamsclubnm.blogspot.com/p/
disability-awareness-fair-project.html