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HiveQueen Takes the Throne in Dreamscape Foundation’s Next Charity Stream
HiveQueen Takes the Throne in Dreamscape Foundation’s Next Charity Stream
For Robin (HiveQueen) streaming isn’t just a hobby or a way to pass the time. It became a way to cope and adjust to a new environment. 3 years ago Robin moved from her home in west Canada to South Korea with her husband in search of new opportunities. After finding herself struggling to make friends in her new home, her husband suggested she try streaming. Robin has always enjoyed playing video games, so it seemed like a great way to meet new people with common interests while also doing something she enjoys.
The Hard Working Bee
Robin has now been streaming in her spare time for the last 3 years. When Robin is not streaming, she is working at her full-time job as a teacher, or enjoying some quality “me” time. When asked what she enjoys most about streaming, Robin says that over the years her favorite part about streaming has always been getting to meet new people and build relationships with them. Twitch is all about coming together with people from all walks of life to share in their common interests, whether that be gaming or whatever you choose to stream about. Another really great thing about streaming Robin says, is the ability to help and give back.
Over the years, my favorite part about streaming has always been getting to meet new people and build relationships with them.
Growing up she loved to get involved with charity events in her community, but as she got older she found it increasingly more difficult to find the time to give back. Once she learned about charity streams as a way to give back, she was more than excited to take this opportunity to help. By using the connections, she has made over the years within the streaming community, she has been able to do multiple charity streams and raise not only money but also awareness for some very important causes. One thing that she wants people to know when they are watching her charity streams is that, even if you can’t afford to contribute financially, Robin makes sure everyone knows that their presence is support enough! Just by spreading the word and showing support in any way you can, you are making a difference.
Dreamscape and HiveQueen_
On Saturday February 29th beginning at 2pm (EST) Robin will be partnering with The Dreamscape Foundation to help raise funds and awareness to help get multiple visually impaired people the assistive technology they need to take back their lives! A quick message that she has for those within the disabled community… “you are not forgotten, there are so many people who will be coming together for this event and for them! If you are feeling alone or just horrible about something you have gone through, remember you are loved and cared for. You are not alone and there are people who have your back!”
With giving back in mind, Robin and the Dreamscape Team put their heads together to come up with amazing prizes and giveaways as a way to say thank you to all those who donate and support the event. Based on a tier donation system, your donations will award you a number of different gifts you are sure to love! Don’t believe me? Check it out for yourself:
(please note, all prizes ship US only)
- Tier 1 – $5:
- 1 Random Steam Key
- 1 Raffle entry to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 2 – $10:
- 1 Random Steam Key
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 3 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 3 – $20:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- Tier 4 – $50:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 Fornite 7” Llama Loot Plush
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 2 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- Tier 5 – $100:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 Fornite 7” Llama Loot Plush
- 1 Mystery Funko Pop
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 6 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- Tier 6 – $250:
- 4 Random Steam Keys
- 1 Dreamscape T-Shirt
- 1 Fornite 7” Llama Loot Plush
- 1 Mystery Funko Pop
- 1 World of Warcraft Official Cookbook
- 5 Raffle entries to win a $50 Amazon gift card
- 10 Raffle entries to win a $100 Amazon gift card
- A featured article on our Blog Page
With even more to come live from Robin during the stream, you definitely won’t want to miss this stream! So, remember to tune in on Saturday February 29th at 2pm to check out all they have planned for yourself. We look forward to seeing you all there!!
To find out more about Robin and the HiveQueen Community be sure to check out her Twitch Channel, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with the buzz!
Written by Hannah Rich
« PreviousPhenom People: Helping 1 Billion People Find the Right Job
Phenom People: Helping 1 Billion People Find the Right Job
Have you ever taken a new job only to realize a few months in it wasn’t for you? Or maybe you felt you could be doing more? Either way, you are most certainly not alone. Today, more and more employees are moving from job to job and always looking for another. But why is that? The simplest reason, there is a big difference between “a job” and “the right job”. That is why the brilliant team at Phenom People are on a mission to help 1 billion people find the job that is right for them! By redefining how employers search for candidates and making accessibility a top priority ensures no candidate is overlooked or left at a disadvantage. So let’s take a deeper look at who they are and their recent collaboration with the Dreamscape Foundation to advocate for accessibility standards.
Phenom People on a Phenom Mission
Phenom People believes everyone should be happy and inspired by their jobs. As the old saying goes, if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life. This belief is the driving point behind their goal of helping 1 billion people find the best-fit job for them. In working towards their goal, they have revolutionized the talent search journey with their one of a kind Talent Experience Management Platforms.
The Phenom TXM Platform makes it is easier than ever for employers to find the right candidate the first time around. The platform allows employers to track and manage the entire talent search journey from start to finish. This includes the candidate, employee, recruiter and management pipelines. Candidates will receive best-fit recommendations, be able to track their application status, contact recruiters, and apply for jobs through their own personalized portal. Once hired, keeping employees can be just as or even more important than finding candidates. When considering the time and costs associated with finding, hiring, and training a new employee, it is often smarter to keep it in the family, so to speak. With the Employee Experience platform, employees can be notified of new job openings within a company. Taking it a step further, they can also use this platform to submit applications for the positions, making it easier for ambitious employees to improve their career without leaving their company.
Recruiters have the most important job in the talent search process. From sorting through and determining which candidates are the best fit, to keeping those candidates interested and motivated to work for your company. Sending out updates, checking in with candidates, marketing events, and so on can become tedious and time consuming. But it doesn’t have to be! Phenom’s Recruiter Experience platform allows recruiters to narrow their candidate search, organize and store candidate information, set up automated messaging and more. With the increased efficiency, recruiters can focus more of their time searching for top talent. But efficiency doesn’t come from personal output alone. In order to improve methods you need to track and determine what is and isn’t working in a business. The Management Experience platform helps you do just that. Using real-time date for reporting and analytics, you will always be up to date with the current status of your company.
What makes these platforms even more appealing is their ability to be customized and integrated into your current systems and business process. Compatible with 60+ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), 50+ Human Capital Management systems (HCM), and 100+ Job Boards, your business won’t miss a thing.
Phenom Access & the Importance of Accessibility Standards
Last October, Phenom People attended the 2019 HR Technology Conference in Las Vegas to announce Phenom Access. Phenom Access is a set of features designed to help HR, HRIS and compliance teams more easily support assistive technologies and meet WCAG 2.0 Compliance Standards on all corporate sites. WCAG 2.0 Standards are guidelines set to make websites more compatible for people with disabilities who rely on assistive technology to navigate the site. WCAG is comprised of 4 key principles representing how digital elements are: Perceived, Operated, Understood, and Robustness (POUR).
To help spread awareness they reached out and partnered with the Dreamscape Foundation; an organization committed to accessibility and the disabled community. The Phenom team then set up an accessibility themed booth to advocate for the importance of accessibility standards. Taking it even further, they pledged $1 to the Dreamscape Foundation in the name of each attendee who visited the booth and spoke to the team about accessible design and WCAG compliance. In total, Phenom People raised an incredible $1,000 to support the Dreamscape Foundation and those they serve!
All of us at the Dreamscape Foundation were honored by their commitment and support! When Phenom Access was first introduced, we knew it was something we could proudly support and that had the potential of impacting millions. To show you just how necessary it is to improve accessible design, Phenom People conducted a study of WCAG compliance in the Fortune 100 companies. In the study they found only 11 met all 6 common accessibility standards. Out of the 89 that failed to meet all 6, 46 of them didn’t even meet half! These numbers are astounding and when considering the size of these companies it is hard to imagine how smaller companies with less resources could manage.
Phenom People Take Philly
Lined up to be the largest year to date, the I Am Phenom Conference is coming back to Philadelphia! Whether you are an employer or dedicated employee, the I Am Phenom Conference is a must. Complete with technology training, informative and motivational speakers, meditation seminars, and more there is something for everyone to learn. Located at the Philadelphia 201 Hotel from Tuesday March 3rd to Thursday March 5th, registration is now open! Be sure to use code DREAMSCAPEFOUNDATION or our direct link for 25% off!
With a goal of making this the largest conference around, Phenom People are pulling out all the stops. Offering a complete training day with a full schedule of training sessions and countless special guest speakers. So if you or the company you work for is looking for a way to bring your staff together as a team while strengthening their skills, I AM PHENOM is perfect opportunity!
We cannot thank Phenom People enough for all they have done for the Dreamscape Foundation and all they continue to do for the workforce and disabled community overall! They have an incredibly passionate and experienced staff who we look forward to working with again in the future!
Written By: Nicholas Sibilia
« PreviousNext »Guiding the Blind Community with the Lighthouse of Collier
Guiding the Blind Community with the Lighthouse of Collier
You wake up with the sun shining through your window. The bright glare is so much to bare that you draw the curtains before getting up to begin your day. Now picture this; you wake up and its as if your eyes are still shut or perhaps you cannot tell if the shades are drawn or if there even is a glare coming into the window at all. This is the reality for many who suffer from a visual impairment whether its complete blindness or partial. For these people, they may never know what the sun looks like or how bright stars shine at night. But outside of the world’s natural beauty, there is much more we use our sight for just to live independently. The folks at the Lighthouse of Collier County know the difficulties many face daily and are committed to doing their part in helping them live an empowering and independent life!
What is the Lighthouse of Collier County?
Founded in 2009 and celebrating their 10th anniversary this April, the Lighthouse of Collier County (LOC) is a blind and visually impaired professional care service center. They provide training and rehabilitation services for people of all ages, at no charge, to help those in the community who are blind or visually impaired. All their programs are tailored to each individual’s specific needs and sessions (both group and individual) are conducted year-round.
Being the only rehabilitation center for blindness and vision loss in Collier County, LOC has made a commitment to their community. However, actions speak louder than words! So, what have they done thus far to prove this commitment? Well, to date they have offered and provided services to roughly 14,000 children and adults in the Collier County only! Additionally, their goal is not just to help people get through today but to give them their independence back and help them get themselves through every day to come! And if that doesn’t shout commitment and care, I don’t know what does!
Their mission is to foster independence and enhance the quality of life for the blind, visually impaired and their caregivers. We had the opportunity to speak with LOC’s Executive Director Scott Flagel and asked him to elaborate on their mission. “It’s very straightforward and simple; we are here for the blind, visually impaired, and their caregivers and the whole mission is to enhance the quality of their life”. He went on to say, “It’s not clinical in nature. It’s really to make sure someone can live independently and to make their life more manageable”.
Staff, Instructors and Accreditations
Committed to ensuring all rehabilitation training will be instructed by certified and qualified staff, LOC’s instructors all are required to meet or exceed the contract standards established by the Florida Division of Blind Services. Currently, they employ the following certified positions:
- Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT’s)
- Certified Assistive Technology Instructors
- Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS)
- Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI)
- VIISA Certified
With the help of their elite staff and continued efforts, the Lighthouse of Collier holds a Guidestar Platinum Status and is nationally accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blind and Low Vision Services.
Services Provided
The programs and services provided continue to increase and expand based upon needs in the community. Additionally, they come with no financial burden what so ever; “We do not charge for services, so it does not matter where you live in collier county, if you need services you get them and there is no cost to you”, said Scott Flagel. Blindness can happen to anyone and it does not care whether you are rich or poor, so why should the services you can receive be any different! Please see below for the complete list of their services:
- Independent Daily Living Skills
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Orientation and Mobility
- Assistive Technology
- Early Intervention/Babies (birth – 5yrs)
- Children’s Programs (5yrs to 14yrs)
- Transition Program (14yrs to 22yrs)
- Support Group for Individuals who are Blind/Visually Impaired
- Care Takers and Parent Support Group
- Braille Training Program
- Lecture Lunch (Brown Bag Lunch) Series
- Recreation and Social Activities
Everyone has a place to call home. Somewhere they have people they love and care for. And every home has a community with neighbors and like-minded people, who will defend and help their own. That mentality is the basis for how the Lighthouse of Collier came to be and 10 years later they still continue to take care of their home!
« PreviousNext »A Brand New Beginning: Interview with Joseph Sehwani & Chris Girsch
A Brand New Beginning: Interview with Joseph Sehwani & Chris Girsch
Joseph Sehwani started Dreamscape Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit foundation, because of his developing Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare visual impairment, in high school at age 16. Chris Girsch, Dreamscape’s social media/blog manager and longtime friend, witnessed firsthand Joe’s worsening condition, as well as the conceptual stage of Dreamscape. Joe and Chris have been friends since high school, and they both realized that it doesn’t take much to make a difference.
Only employing as early as 2017, Dreamscape has been consistently pushing out blog posts and video game charity streams. Chris has witnessed over a year now, Dreamscape showing a complete night and day from when he has started. His daily goals are promotion and spreading the word. “A lot of it is catering to people like Joe, who seem like they don’t believe they will have any relief, or support through anything,” Chris stated.
Making the Difference
Girsch closely witnessed Sehwani’s journey and how he overcame his struggles, starting with stigma. While Joe’s vision isn’t 100% gone, he started noticing others had a lot of confusion surrounding the topic. Arriving to class equipped with a cane, the stigma was at its peak attending high school. The soon charity founder felt as though people felt bad for him, or assumed he wasn’t as intelligent. Sehwani is not one to admire pity, so it was difficult for him to adjust to that kind of reaction. His coping method was to crack a joke about it early on in meeting someone to help clear the air.
For Chris, he noticed that people didn’t understand that Joe still had some vision, at the time equipped with a walking cane and wearing prescription sunglasses. There’s no way anyone could know. Chris and Joe were becoming good friends six months before Joe told him he was becoming blind, and it was a bit of a shock. Chris witnessed the evolution of people changing around them, changing their dialect, and treating Joe like he was fragile. It came out of not understanding how to treat or talk to someone with a disability, which is just like talking to everyone else. That stigma was something both experienced. Joe was always very social, calling up friends to go to the movies and hang out, so he got to see who his real friends really were.
Sharing The Dream
Part of Dreamscape Foundation’s mission became educating the uninformed, as well as supporting the disabled through accessible technology. As for Joe’s LHON, it’s a gray area where he can look at his phone. In order to see, he takes advantage of using the accessibility options found on the iPhone. All while using accessibility every day, Dreamscape wants to educate people that visual impairments are more than just being blind or not blind. There is a mix of in-betweens, such as with LHON. Resolving confusion could also end some stigma for people, in their receptiveness of those with visual impairments. It’s not the same for everyone.
Not only does Dreamscape help the disabled, one such story found our charity support a young girl with cancer. Although, Sehwani’s advice to any nonprofit starting is to find a niche and not take on everything. With that said, ever since Joseph’s grandfather passed of cancer, he was glad to help someone with cancer. Dreamscape stays open to various needs in the future. As the charity matured, they found their niche. However, their open-mindedness to helping others in general, saved that young girl with cancer. She wouldn’t have gotten treatment without Dreamscape’s help.
According to Chris, “We’ve done so many fundraisers; Some for St. Jude, we’ve supported orphanages, and second chance homes for kids in the state of New Jersey. All while leading up to the Giving Season (Holidays) working with Toys for Tots and Salvation Army.”
A Fresh Start
In terms of last year’s accomplishments, Joe says “I would say another big thing that we accomplished over the year would definitely be establishing the Dreamscape Foundation website and kind of really pushing that out there.” Sehwani personally works on the website, and states “It was less of rebranding and more of building context in what we’re doing.”
Dreamscape upheld their commitments with schools in Jersey, supporting accessibility school programs. Here at Dreamscape, accessibility means independence for everyone. When Joe was starting the new website, User1st and Dreamscape partnered up. User1st is a company who helped teach him a lot about accessible software for people with disabilities. Joe then returned the favor, by supporting their web accessibility initiative. Through User1st, Sehwani started reaching out to Universities to help disabled students have all the access they need.
Before Chris was faced with Joe’s visual impairment, he admits that he did not think too much about accessibility. He did not know the full measure of its importance to people with disabilities. As someone without a disability, he says “it taught [him] a lot!” Dreamscape current campaign is helping twins Justin & Kenny Jongsma who both have LHON, like Dreamscape owner Joseph Sehwani. Brand new accessible technology for the blind called eSight eyewear has changed the game. The glasses like device adjusts visual impairments and corrects the vision loss. According to Chris and Joe, everyone deserves independence through accessibility.
“There really is no nonprofit for accessibility,” Joe says. Together, Joe and Chris want Dreamscape to be out there and to have its own niche. Not just another visual impairment or blind charity, cancer charity, etc. but we want to leave a unique footprint on the world of accessibility.
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The Future’s Not So Far Away with Assistive Technology
The Future’s Not So Far Away with Assistive Technology
There is a reason why assistive technology pushes the envelope of innovation. Its development is revolutionary for individuals whose disabilities limit their prospects. From helping people accomplish everyday tasks to bringing the thrill of entertainment beyond the wall of limitations, it makes living life possible.
But what’s in the works for this technological niche? Dreamscape Foundation scoured the news for whispers of cutting-edge assistive technology entering or preparing to enter today’s world.
What is Assistive Technology?
Before we dive in, let’s cover a common question: what is assistive technology? For those who don’t know, assistive technology is any kind of software, equipment, or product that helps a disabled individual improve, increase, or maintain specific functional capabilities.
While we often cover assistive technology for the blind, it isn’t limited to this disability. Assistive technology also helps individuals who struggle with:
- Verbal Communication
- Hand and Finger Dexterity
- Cognitive Memory
- Hearing
- Mobility
- Learning
- And More
You can find it anywhere, including at home, in schools, on public transport, and in the workplace.
4 Stunning Examples of New and Upcoming Assistive Technologies
Below are some of the latest assistive technology projects and tech that are either up-and-coming or on the market.
Disney’s “Feeling Fireworks”
Disney has an uncanny ability to bring the magic of imagination to life. The company’s Imagineers take every detail into painstaking consideration in order to fully immerse its visitors in an experience.
Their “Feeling Fireworks” project is a fine example. Disney Research describes it as a tactile show that is “making fireworks more inclusive for blind and visually impaired users, in a novel experience that can be shared by all.”
Their YouTube video gives a fascinating, in-depth look at how they use flexible latex and water jets to bring the firework display to life in a new way.
The sensational experience was showcased at the 2018 Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference. Currently, it is still undergoing research and development.
Nearby Explorer Develops an Indoor Exploration Feature
The American Printing House for the Blind developed an update on the Nearby Explorer App that makes navigating indoor environments possible. This version of the app is currently in its beta stage on Android and is available in supported venues on iOS.
This app uses GPS, your phone’s compass, and speaker to communicate information about your surroundings in real-time.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller
Microsoft’s Xbox console has multiple accessibility features to make it more user-friendly toward players with disabilities. However, their latest creation brings gaming to a whole new level. It’s called the Xbox Adaptive Controller.
Priced at $99.99 MSRP, it works with a variety of devices. Its button mapping is customizable for ease of use. The controller came together through partnerships with several organizations, including The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, SpecialEffect, Warfighter Engaged, AbleGamers Charity, and others.
The SmartVision2 Premium is a Cell Phone and e-Reader
Smartphones are already like having everything you need in the palm of your hand. However, the SmartVision2 Premium is specially designed to be the ultimate accessible device. Its large viewing screen features a simple, high-contrast display.
You can navigate through either the phone’s traditional keypad, voice commands, or the touchscreen itself. The phone also magnifies up to 7 times and has voice assisted GPS navigation.
Its OCR can scan and read printed text, plus it comes with an e-book creator and reader. Those who still need additional assistance can use its remote assistance option to contact friends, family, or support technicians based on your settings.
Priced at $899, this multi-faceted device is cheaper than the iPhone X while combining multiple essential accessibility features into its design.
Connect Assistive Technology with the People Who Need It
One of the major pieces of Dreamscape Foundation’s mission is connecting low vision and blind individuals with assistive technology that enhances their independence. There are many everyday activities we take for granted, such as reading and walking.
Assistive technology may be as simple as an app or as advanced as eSight Eyewear. However, their ability to turn challenges into possibilities is priceless.
If you want to help someone in need, you can either make a donation or start a campaign for someone you know.
Looking to contact us? Let us know if you want to set up a conversation! (+1) 239-325-1881
« PreviousNext »“First of It’s Kind” Blind Voting System Available to New Hampshire in Primary Election
“First of It’s Kind” Blind Voting System Available to New Hampshire in Primary Election
A new “blind voting system” called One4All is being introduced to all of New Hampshire in the US Primary Election. This tablet-based technology is designed to assist the blind and visually impaired as they cast their ballots.
This easy-to-use system offers both assistance and privacy for voters, who previously may have opted to cast their vote via absentee mail ballots or with assistance at physical polling locations.
About the New Blind Voting System Called One4All
While assistive technology isn’t a new concept to the political voting process, One4All is making it easier. This specific configuration of the Premier Third Generation Voting System (Prime III) was previously used in select areas during the 2016 election.
The system itself uses 100% commercial products and open source software. The default design uses:
- Dell Venue 11 Pro 7000 Series Tablet
- Integrated Tablet Docking Station
- EX Eyes Model HPO-J1305 Large Print Keyboard
- Jabra Headset with Mic
- Brother HL-L2320D Laser Printer
However, as an open source software, it can b used on other devices as well. Those who choose to use One4All online or via a mobile device receive a QR code afterward they can scan at any Prime III enabled voting machine.
You may have seen this setup before. Before its national release, this system underwent trials in Oregon, Wisconsin, and Florida in 2014 prior to being used across the state of New Hampshire.
Described by users as “very direct and simple to use” whether you’re tech-savvy or not, One4All makes voting more efficient—and private—than ever before. Using an auditory guide, it takes users step-by-step through the voting process and uses only the “Enter” button when casting votes to avoid mistakes.
Users are oriented at the keyboard if needed prior to starting the voting process. They are then given the privacy to cast their votes, but the staff remains readily available should they need assistance.
The Mind Behind Prime III’s One4All
Prime III’s software was developed by Dr. Juan Gilbert. He is a Professor and Chair of the Computer, Information Science, and Engineering Department at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
There, he leads the Human Experience Research Lab. His research includes:
- Spoken Language Systems
- Advanced Learning Technologies
- Usability and Accessibility
- Ethnocomputing
- Databases and Data Mining
A recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring from President Barack Obama, Dr. Gilbert has earned a long list of accomplishments over the course of his career, which you can read about here.
Discover Your Voting Options Before the Primary Election
This blind voting system is said to be available across New Hampshire during the upcoming Primary Election. However, if you don’t live in this area it’s important to uncover your voting options, even if it means voting early or using an absentee ballot.
One4All is a relatively new form of assistive technology that we hope will gain momentum until it becomes available at every polling location across the United States.
« PreviousNext »Seton Hall: How Universities Adapt to Disability Needs
Seton Hall: How Universities Adapt to Disability Needs
College is an exciting chapter in life, full of undiscovered passions and potential. These formative years offer independence far beyond the scope of what you knew in high school, as well as experiences that will help define who you become.
Yet for people with disabilities, this adventure can feel more like an intimidating challenge.
Thankfully, most colleges have resources to help meet these needs. To access them, students register with a department dedicated toward making college life, classes, lessons, and exams more accessible.
It’s called Disability Support Services (DSS). Every knowledge-seeker who lives with a disability should look into it as they seek out the right campus for their higher education.
An Inside Look at Disability Support Services at Seton Hall
Angela Millman is the Director of Disability Support Services at Seton Hall University. With eighteen years of experience—six of which she’s served at Seton Hall—she has seen firsthand how students can excel when provided with the right resources.
Her job at Seton Hall (South Orange, NJ) is to make the academic environment more accessible to students with various disabilities. Through her experience, she has seen a wide array of needs and challenges. To meet them, her department uses various methods, including (but not limited to):
- Identifying and Addressing Needs in Student Meetings
- Implementing Accommodation Plans
- Improving Access to Courses and Curriculum
- Providing Test Proctoring
- Utilizing Assistive Technology
With more than 500 students registered for DSS at Seton Hall, Millman and her team of employees work diligently to meet each of their individual needs.
“I’ve seen my first and second class of students come in as first-year students and walk out with their bachelor’s and, in some cases, master’s degrees,” Millman said. “To get to know them, get to know their challenges, and be able to help them navigate those barriers to see them achieve their goals and achieve degrees—that’s hugely rewarding.”
Keeping Up with Campus Tech and Accessibility
Part of Millman’s job is to keep up with today’s digital environment. As our world leans on technology more and more, it poses both advantages and challenges for the disabled community.
“We do our best to keep up with assistive technology and stay on top of trends,” Millman said. “The challenge has been to make sure that as technology grows and we utilize it through different courses and in different ways, those different ways are made accessible still.”
This accessibility is often met through various apps and assistive technologies. Each of these tools accommodates specific impairments. Through the collaboration of university faculty as well as IT professionals, DSS makes sure technological advancements are helping, not hindering, students with disabilities.
How to Own Your College Experience
It’s important to note that college requires a level of independence from all students. This includes becoming an advocate for your own needs. DSS is a highly useful resource, but you have to ask for it in order to benefit.
Most students must register for these services during their onboarding process before their academic semester begins.
“For a lot of students, that transition is hard. They’re used to relying on parents or advocates within the high school system,” Millman proclaimed. “In order to make sure they have the best experience possible and get what they need, they definitely need to be familiar with what their needs are, how to express those needs, and how to partner with their disabilities services office.”
Yet there are great achievements to be made by those who take the initiative. Dreamscape Foundation Founder Joe Sehwani is a great example. An alumnus of Seton Hall University, he not only gained his master’s degree in record timing, but he also served as a voice for disabled needs.
“Joe is the type of guy who would pop into our office several times a week, so we all got to know him very well,” Millman, who worked directly with Sehwani, confessed. “He was focused, he knew what he wanted, he was determined, and I think that shows when you can get a six-year degree in four years.
“Joe was a really good self-advocate, so he knew what he needed and knew how to communicate that to professors. He also knew when to reach out and loop me in when a different voice was necessary to help make sure his needs were met.”
Expressing his voice through various articles in the student newspaper, Sehwani actively engaged in outreach to educate the Seton Hall community. In fact, Dreamscape Foundation’s mission was prevalent in his role as a student during his academic career.
However, Sehwani is only one example. Numerous individuals with disability needs achieve their academic goals. You don’t have to be a prodigy to go to college and experience your academic dreams, and life, to the fullest.
Embrace Your Campus Resources
Use your voice to speak up about what you need and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reaching out is never a burden. In fact, that’s exactly why services like DSS are available.
“That’s our role; that’s why we exist: to make sure students with disabilities are not disadvantaged and that they have the accommodations they need to have equal access,” Millman stressed. “We want to be there to help students, but we can’t push ourselves on students.
“If students walk in and they really don’t want accommodations or they don’t really want our help, that’s their choice. That’s part of the growing process sometimes, but we just want to encourage everybody to reach out and to know that there are resources available.
“We are here to help them.”
For more information on Seton Hall and DSS resources, visit their website. You’ll find a host of information about their office, available resources, and how to get started if you plan to attend their university.
« PreviousNext »