Refocusing the View: Integrating Disability as Identity in Virtual Programming Development: CUNY Accessibility Conference 2020

Students with disabilities comprise the largest minority group in the country, yet as a unique marginalized student population, they are usually excluded from discussions about equity, diversity, and inclusion on campus. As disability professionals, how can we help refocus the lens through which campus constituents view disability while helping students with disabilities find their voice, especially during a pandemic? At CSU Channel Islands, we have created a variety of virtual clubs and activities that provide students with disabilities and their allies the ability to engage with each other while learning new skills, finding common ground, being recognized as high achieving scholars and sometimes just being social. Using our collective knowledge to create new programming, our students with disabilities are becoming recognized as campus leaders, honored scholars, mentors, and employees. There is much to learn about making campuses more welcoming for students with disabilities, but through the creation of strategic opportunities for virtual engagement, the disability professionals on our campus have begun to make inroads to inclusion and equity. With these goals in mind, we have created programming that allows us to be proactive, rather than reactive, in helping students navigate the challenges of virtual school. This includes changing our counseling model; more outreach efforts; creating a mentoring model where students with disabilities are the mentors; launching our Virtual School Survival Skills virtual workshop series; chartering a chapter of an honor society; and launching a program to help students connect with each other and enjoy some social time. As these programs expand and take root, our goal is to foster a group of student leaders who can have a seat at the table as we discuss equity and inclusion for all.

Michelle Resnick serves as the Director of Disability Accommodations & Support Services (DASS) at CSU Channel Islands. She is the lead administrator of DASS, providing vision, planning, and implementation of a program for students with disabilities that creates equal access to the curriculum, activities, and physical campus. As the primary liaison to the CI campus community and the Chancellor’s Office, Michelle spends much of her time collaborating with faculty and staff to promote equity and support the academic success of students. Before joining CI, Michelle worked at Woodbury University, where she was charged with building the Office of Disabilities and Accessibility Services from the ground up, including the drafting of new university policies and procedures while concurrently attending to the ongoing, daily responsibilities of the department. Additionally, she was a strong advocate for ensuring student success in her collaborations with faculty and staff. Prior to her role at Woodbury University, Michelle served as the Director for the Los Angeles Jewish Abilities Center (LAJAC), where she managed a collaborative network of 21 public and non-profit agencies in the research, development and implementation of new community programs and services for adults with disabilities. Before relocating to CA from the NY metro area, Michelle spent 20 years as a learning specialist, program manager, and special education instructor. Michelle earned dual masters degrees, MA in Counseling Psychology and Master of Education, from Teacher’s College-Columbia University, after first receiving her BA in Psychology from the State University of New York at Albany.

Bonnie Landau is a Transition & Retention Counselor for Disability Accommodations & Support Services (DASS) at CSU Channel Islands. Originally from Los Angeles County, Bonnie earned her Master of Science in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne. She holds a Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology from University of Santa Monica as well as a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Bonnie comes to CI from the K-12 school environment, where she served as a therapist, school counselor and special education advocate. Additionally, Bonnie is the author of a book entitled, “Special Ed Mom Survival Guide” which offers practical help and strategies for parents and their children. Before switching careers, Bonnie spent 25 years as a graphic/web designer. In her free time Bonnie loves to paint, take nature walks and blog about K-12 special education issues and solutions.