Disability Service department assists students
Serving more than 100 students singlehandedly, Danielle Haskett, the Disability Services Coordinator, needed help.
Recently, the Disability Services department added a new employee to their small staff.
Dianne Carter started work Nov. 4 and is currently working part-time Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Academic Advising and Career Service Center.
Haskett has been the only employee in the disability services department for years. In September 2012, she became a full-time faculty member. “I service over 100 hundred students. I needed help,” Haskett said.
A competitive hire was done by a hiring committee in order to find the proper person for the job. Carter met all the criteria required for the position.
Although still new to the department, Carter is preforming well as part of the disability services team. “She is a very nice genuine person and will be of great service to our students,” Haskett said. Haskett has been training Carter who has recently learned how to notify instructors of students’ necessary accommodations as well as reserve testing rooms for students. “Once she learns the process she will be a great asset to our department,” Haskett said.
Haskett helps students whose disabilities make school success more difficult. She can provide accommodations such as extended time for tests and quizzes, testing in a distraction-free environment, books on cd, personal note-takers, disability parking passes and more. Haskett also facilitates concerns between students and instructors as well as advises students on their program studies. This includes selecting classes, organizing and prioritizing their assignments and helping them through the financial aid process.
Any student that has an impairment to a major life activity can qualify for services if the disability is documented by a licensed physician. If warranted, Haskett may also refer students to resources within the community such as Umpqua Valley Disabilities Network and Vocational Rehabilitation. Students interested in obtaining more information about the disability services offered should contact Danielle Haskett at (541) 440-7655 or Danielle.Haskett@umpqua.edu. Or students may drop by her office in the Academic Advising and Career Services Center in Campus Center.