antiquity
01-23-2003, 12:12 PM
Programs for disabled up for deep cuts
By Christine Mahr
The Desert Sun
January 22, 2003
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PALM DESERT -- If he had to rely on his fingers and a computer keyboard, Willie Hodge would find it difficult, if not impossible, to write essays for his classes.
But thanks to a voice-activated computer he uses at College of the Desert, Hodge can complete his assignments without using his hands.
Hodge suffers from a spinal condition that causes numbness on the right side of his body and leaves him with very little feeling or dexterity in his hands.
Despite their disabilities, students such as Hodge are able to attend the same classes as other students, keep up with assignments and more successfully integrate into college life because of the Disabled Students Programs and Services.
The program is one of several at the college that faces severe funding cuts if Gov. Gray Davis' budget proposals are adopted.
DSPS provides students with services that include tutoring, interpreters, note takers, specialized counseling and equipment adapted to their needs.
At a High Tech Computer Access Center, voice-activated computers and other equipment help them complete assignments and more quickly improve writing and other skills.
"All of these things are in jeopardy if the cuts go through," said Michael O'Neill, an associate professor and DSPS coordinator.
Right now, 123 students use the center, although more overall use DSPS services.
Without the program, Hodge said he wouldn't be at the college. "It would be impossible to keep up with my classes."
At 67, Hodge enrolled at COD to improve his life and become a drug and alcohol abuse counselor.
George Tovar, 25, a quadriplegic, also is able to attend college because of DSPS.
"I want to get a career -- something in computers -- but I need to learn computer and writing skills," Tovar said.
The $433,833 DSPS budget at COD covers staffing, supplies and expensive high-tech equipment students use.
Another program in danger funds Lisa Wilander's position.
Wilander, adaptive computer specialist and instructor, works full time in the center helping students.
"You need someone who knows the equipment and can teach students to use it," Wilander said.
DSPS is the key to many disabled students' success in attending college and learning job skills, O'Neill said.
http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories/local/1043196090.shtml
By Christine Mahr
The Desert Sun
January 22, 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PALM DESERT -- If he had to rely on his fingers and a computer keyboard, Willie Hodge would find it difficult, if not impossible, to write essays for his classes.
But thanks to a voice-activated computer he uses at College of the Desert, Hodge can complete his assignments without using his hands.
Hodge suffers from a spinal condition that causes numbness on the right side of his body and leaves him with very little feeling or dexterity in his hands.
Despite their disabilities, students such as Hodge are able to attend the same classes as other students, keep up with assignments and more successfully integrate into college life because of the Disabled Students Programs and Services.
The program is one of several at the college that faces severe funding cuts if Gov. Gray Davis' budget proposals are adopted.
DSPS provides students with services that include tutoring, interpreters, note takers, specialized counseling and equipment adapted to their needs.
At a High Tech Computer Access Center, voice-activated computers and other equipment help them complete assignments and more quickly improve writing and other skills.
"All of these things are in jeopardy if the cuts go through," said Michael O'Neill, an associate professor and DSPS coordinator.
Right now, 123 students use the center, although more overall use DSPS services.
Without the program, Hodge said he wouldn't be at the college. "It would be impossible to keep up with my classes."
At 67, Hodge enrolled at COD to improve his life and become a drug and alcohol abuse counselor.
George Tovar, 25, a quadriplegic, also is able to attend college because of DSPS.
"I want to get a career -- something in computers -- but I need to learn computer and writing skills," Tovar said.
The $433,833 DSPS budget at COD covers staffing, supplies and expensive high-tech equipment students use.
Another program in danger funds Lisa Wilander's position.
Wilander, adaptive computer specialist and instructor, works full time in the center helping students.
"You need someone who knows the equipment and can teach students to use it," Wilander said.
DSPS is the key to many disabled students' success in attending college and learning job skills, O'Neill said.
http://www.thedesertsun.com/news/stories/local/1043196090.shtml