Disability Services
for Students
Disability Community
"Disability is the one protected class that has an open-door policy."
The intent of this page is to provide information about and links to other people with disabilities. Check back here often, as we're constantly finding new connections to the disability community. Links to this page will take you to sites external to SOU; by linking them here, we are not endorsing any particular product, organization, or viewpoint. We simply want to provide information about the disabled community - it is up to the reader to form their own viewpoint.
If you are a current or former student of SOU and would like to be featured on this page, please contact the webmaster.
Leadership Opportunities
The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is looking for new leaders! And we want you to apply to serve on our Governing Board! NYLN is a non-profit organization run by young people with disabilities. We empower all young people to reach their maximum potential.
Applicants to the Governing Board must:
o Be between 15 and 28 years old;
o Have a disability;
o Have leadership and advocacy skills.
“We are excited to open the door to new leaders,” said Betsy Valnes, NYLN executive director. “Young people have a lot to offer. We look forward to setting goals that make them fully empowered.”
The Governing Board Application can also be found at http://www.nyln.org/.
Send completed applications to:
National Youth Leadership Network
Attn: Betsy Valnes
221 S. Central Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
For more information, call 1-866-480-6565 or e-mail bvalnes@tie.net.
Local Groups
Southern Oregon Brainstormers Support and Social Club
What: Monthly support group meetings for people who have had a brain injury
When: 1st Tuesday of every month, 3:30-5:30 PM
Where: Providence Medical Center, Birthplace Conference Room (enter Main Entrance, turn left) 1111 Crater Lake Avenue, Medford, OR
For further information, contact: Lorita Cushman 541-621-9974 after 1:00 PM
Disability Organizations
Learning Disabilities Association of America: "Today, LDA is the largest non-profit volunteer organization advocating for individuals with learning disabilities and has over 200 state and local affiliates in 42 states and Puerto Rico...The membership, composed of individuals with learning disabilities, family members and concerned professionals, advocates for the almost three million students of school age with learning disabilities and for adults affected with learning disabilities."
American Association of People with Disabilities: "The largest national nonprofit cross-disability member organization in the United States, dedicated to ensuring economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities. AAPD works in coalition with other disability organizations for the full implementation and enforcement of disability nondiscrimination laws, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973."
National Federation of the Blind: "The real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exist. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance." Of particular note are their listservs for blind members of various professions, including education, the sciences, and business.
American Foundation for the Blind: "Expanding possibilities for people with vision loss."
Deaf Services of Southern Oregon: "The Mission of this organization is to enhance the quality of life for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Oregonians."
Oregon Association of the Deaf: "To create an opportunity for the Deaf of Oregon to join together in planning, devising, conducting and participating in activities and programs to promote the general welfare of the Deaf in Oregon."
Personal Stories
Crip College: A former athelete, Christian Bagg tells his story and provides a plethora of resources and information about wheelchair life. Don't miss the "Tricks of the Trade" page, which describes methods and techniques for common challenges of people in wheelchairs - stairs, escalators, getting and out of the back seat of a two-door car...
e-Bility Personal Stories About Disability: variety of experiences with disability
National Federation of the Blind 2001 Everest Expedition: Details the story of Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind climber ever to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
