Center for Educational Access: Helping Students Succeed Year-Round, Not Just During Disability Awareness Month

Photo Submitted

The Center for Educational Access is located on the second floor of the Arkansas Union.

The U of A Center for Educational Access and Sources for Community Independent Living Services are hosting Disability Awareness Month Community Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 26, in the Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which was the first federal legislation to require equal access for disabled people and prohibited discrimination by federally funded entities. This landmark decision opened the door for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 to be passed and signed into law," said Laura James, director of the Center for Educational Access. "There is a large employment gap due to environmental barriers experienced by people with disabilities, and it is important to raise awareness of the many resources available in our community and connect individuals with disability service providers."

The Community Resource Fair -- designed for students, faculty, staff and the public -- will feature informational booths promoting community resources and information dedicated to inclusion and community participation. Disability service providers and agencies, such as Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and Life Styles, will be on hand to assist people with disabilities, their family members and the general public. "In addition, there will be opportunity to learn more about volunteer opportunities available within our local area disability service providers," James said.

"October is Disability Awareness Month, and we have had several informative programs for the campus community in collaboration with OEOC and other groups," James said. "But we take care of students' needs year-round."

The Center for Educational Access has a document conversion lab that can convert any course materials (textbooks, handouts, digital reading materials, etc.) to accessible formats for students with print disabilities. Additionally, CEA manages classroom notetaking, interpreting and transcription services for students.

For the 2022-23 academic year, there were 3,755 students registered with the CEA. "They most often seek accommodations related to barriers capturing lecture information and during testing," James said. "Many students register with the CEA due to on-campus housing access barriers experienced as well."

"The scope of disability is very broad, and the majority of students have an invisible disability," James said.

A student may be eligible for CEA services if they have a condition that impacts them in any aspect of their campus experience, such as learning, living on campus, the ability to navigate campus, accessing course materials or participating in programs and activities. 

"We encourage students to reach out to us if they have questions about our registration process and how to qualify for accommodations," James said. 

To receive services from Center for Educational Access, students should visit the office located in room 209 in the Arkansas Union, or visit the website for more information about how to initiate the registration process.

"We know that faculty may have questions about facilitating accommodations, and CEA staff are available for consultation and presentations on disability related topics," James said. "We all have a shared responsibility to work toward an inclusive environment for students. Faculty play a vital role in ensuring the learning environment is accessible, and they can help students succeed by having a general plan for common accommodations, by proactively reaching out to a student who has requested accommodations to discuss how they will be facilitated and by incorporating Universal Design for Learning principles in the classroom."

The Center for Educational Access, a department in the Division of Student Affairs, is a resource for students, faculty and staff.

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports students in their pursuit of knowledge, earning a degree, finding meaningful careers, and connecting with the global community. We provide students housing, dining, and health care and wellness resources, create innovative programs that educate and inspire, and offer inclusive support for a diverse student body. We enhance the University of Arkansas experience and help students succeed, one student at a time.