LEHMAN COLLEGE–Lehman College, in collaboration with their Student Disability Services (SDS), held their first-ever Accessibility Fair throughout the Lehman campus on August 26th and 27th. Booths featured Information about various disabilities, how Lehman can help students who qualified for disability services, and interactive activities for participants.
Additionally, third- party organizations such as Access VR and Bronx Independent Living Services were present with information and connections to their own resources for students who attended. The fair served not only to inform students about disabilities and how they affect people on a day-to-day basis, but also to highlight the number of resources available to students.
The genesis of this event started with Emily Willen, a master’s student at Lehman College who wears many hats, including Office Manager at the Student Government Association, Leadership Coordinator at the Office of Campus Life, and, in particular, a summer internship with the SDS center. This past summer she conceptualized this event, and, with her wide range of connections made it a reality.
A huge motivation for Willen’s was her own experience with disabilities. With conditions like dyslexia and arthritis, Willen found herself struggling in school. But, as Willen explained, “Accommodations really do make a difference in success. Since I’ve been getting accommodations, I’ve been a straight-A student.”
