Fostering and Supporting Forms of Academic/Social Engagement for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education
Sheryl W. Sobel, CUNY LEADS Advisor
Vivian Fernandes, Disability Accommodations Specialist
Suzanne D. Jones, CUNY LEADS Job Developer
Leonard V. Blades, CUNY Leads Plus Advisor
Queensborough Community College
By design, the goal of this presentation is to provide a comprehensive list of needs-based support that have been proven successful to our students with disabilities from start to finish. Providing an environment that is engaging and supportive is what has led to the success of the student club chapter, the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at QCC (CCSD@QCC). Our Social Skills Coaching program called “SNACKS & CHATS” has helped students through the online Communication Zoom to stay connected during the pandemic where students have had to work and study remotely. Academic Skills Coaching, which allows for the management and organization of functions to include, time management, assistive technology, study skills, and plagiarism to name a few. CUNY LEADS (Linking Employment, Academics & Disability Services) provides student engagement, internship opportunities and career readiness skills which are the driving forces to academic success.
A graduate of Queensborough Community College, Vivian Fernandes is now attending CUNY School of Professional Studies where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Disabilities Studies. Vivian is the Disabilities Accommodation’s Specialist with SSD at Queensborough Community College. She works feverishly to provide excellent academic skills coaching to the students with disabilities, along with conducting student/parent orientation, and running the SNACKS and CHATS Club geared for students to socially engage and stay connected remotely. Vivian is passionate about her job and has served in providing personal care to many QCC students with multiple disabilities, offered academic tutoring in Math, written assignments and transportation needs.
Over the past 20+ years, Sheryl Sobel has devoted her professional career to developing and supporting programs spanning the lifecycle for people with disabilities. As a LCSW, Sheryl has directed and coordinated with multiple programs in conjunction with OPWDD, OMH, DOE, and OCFS. She has worked as a clinician with children and families regarding advocacy, psychoeducation and clinical support. Sheryl is currently working at QCC as a LEADS Support Specialist providing students’ academic and career readiness skills that enable students to transition to successful employment outcomes. Sheryl additionally supports the CCSD@QCC organization as well as Social Skills Coaching initiative and Academic Skills Coaching project. She obtained her MSW at Hunter College and is very excited to discuss how technology has promoted connection and support to our students.
Suzanne Jones comes to Queensborough Community College with a wealth of experience in organizational development and program management. Currently, she is the LEADS Job Developer at the SSD Office collaborating with various organizations to provide students with opportunities for employment. Jones worked at LaGuardia Community College where she provided leadership and support to the Young Adult Internship Program and the Summer Youth Employment Program. Suzanne has extensive experience delivering programs on teamwork, corporate culture and performance management. Her career in higher education includes Mercy College, Nassau Community College, Lehman College and LaGuardia Community College where she is an adjunct faculty member. She has received many accolades for her work in the field of workforce development.
Leonard Blades is a CUNY alumnus of Brooklyn College with a B.A in Psychology and a recent graduate of the CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS) with his Master's Degree in Disability Services in Higher Education. He has served as both the Chairman for the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD), and as the Vice Chair of Disability Affairs for CUNY’s University Student Senate (USS). Today, Leonard serves as the CUNY LEADS Plus Counselor at Queensborough Community College. His motto in life is that while you may encounter defeat, you should never truly feel defeated.