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Passionately Pursuing Goals while Engaging Resources
>> My name is Matt Carbary. I was first diagnosed with ADHD in middle school. As far as tests
and studying, it was not difficult. So I never really sought out extra help.
In college that all changed. My freshman year my first semester was 18 credits and marching
band. I knew everything was very difficult. I knew
I wanted a little extra attention. So I would go to office hours and she noticed some things
and suggested that I check out the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. She
didn't know it, but she changed my life. I talked to Elaine High. I got myself re-diagnosed.
That was very liberating. You know, maybe I’m not dumb. Maybe there is something else
going on, and maybe it is okay to have this disability.
I would not be where I was without the RCPD. So I felt I needed to give back as much as
I could however I could. And they thought that maybe I could help other students to
use the services available at the RCPD. The job that I was doing as an assistive technology
trainer was an extremely important position in my mind. Because the best technology in
the world, if students don't know that it exists or doesn't think that it can help them,
they are not going to use it. >> My name is Jordan Caster, and my major
is Computer Science. And I will graduate from Michigan State in May of 2015.
I came to MSU because the accommodations here are really really good. I really liked that
I could have my math and science textbooks in Braille along with graphs that I would
need for those courses. I also liked the amount of technology that we have.
Don't be afraid to advocate for what you need. I think that a lot of times blind people don't
choose a lot of courses with math because math is intimidating to them. Math is hard
when you have to feel tactile graphics. It takes you way longer to do your homework.
That really didn't scare me off. I can get my math books in braille. I have
ample opportunities to get tutoring here. And I love computer programming. So I might
as well just go for it. >> My name is Joe Applegate. I am a graduate
of the class of 2010 with a bachelor's degree in Telecommunications.
I came to MSU as an apprentice for Stephen Blosser, assistive technology specialist.
Steve and I spent the summer traveling to different locations around the state demonstrating
assistive technology devices which helped make daily life tasks easier.
Through much encouragement, by Mike Hudson, by Specialist Ginger Martz, and several RCPD
staff members, I returned to MSU to begin pursuing my degree.
I would like to thank the RCPD staff for their support during my time at MSU, support which
still continues today. >> I'm Brenda Flanagan, and I was here from
20022004. I received a DeafEd bachelor's degree. I really have a little bit of a problem with
people making me feel diminished or, um, kind of put down, like "old poor you.” I can't
stand that. Okay? But I found coming here I never felt that
way. [laughing]
And I think that's wonderful because you need to have that empowerment within yourself.
So any kind of disability, I think, you are going to have to fight sometimes, and you
are going to have to stand up for your rights and the things that you need.
My experience was probably different from other students because it is not, it’s not
a box here. You don't come in instant pour it, add some water, here's your service. It
doesn't happen here like that. So whatever you need as an individual, you will get the
support that you need. So it is a wonderful place to come.
You might miss some of your greatest experiences not getting the support you need. And I'm
saying support, not help. Okay? It’s not been help. It is support.
I teach at a state school, actually, and it is called Atlanta Area School for the Deaf.
And we serve 30 counties throughout Georgia. So many of our students come every day and
they get on the bus and they ride for two and a half hours to come to school. Yeah,
very committed. If they try, I have to try. And I have seen my school improve in incredible
ways in the eight years I have worked there. So I know they are trying their best. And
I am in a good place that I can do my best.