Message from AHEAD

The Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) is a leading professional organization in the field of post-secondary disability service providers and SOU DR always aims to align our practices with what comes out of this respected organization and on the issue of Black Lives Matter, this remains true. It is important to recognize that our campus community is predominantly white, and we have the responsibility to educate ourselves in allyship and anti-racism. SOU DR would like to contribute to these vital conversations by hosting free webinars as they are available, dates TBA. AHEAD has also compiled Resources on Racial Equity with a list of Books, Movies, Podcasts, Web Resources and organizations to donate to.

As AHEAD releases their free webinars on dialogue and learning we will ensure to host them for our campus community’s continued learning.

In alignment with AHEAD, we would like to pass on their message of support, and resources for our campus community.

---

The AHEAD leadership mourns the recent tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor. We recognize that while their deaths anger and sadden us all, the cumulative impact of the many losses of Black lives to police brutality and the overt and covert racism take a tremendous emotional toll on our Black colleagues and other colleagues of color. These tragic losses have happened during a time when communities of color are already being disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and its impact on their physical, social, and emotional well-being. 

We are heartbroken and we extend our heartfelt concern and support to you and to the Black students and staff within your campus communities.

But for those of us who are white, grieving must not be done silently. White supremacy protects and benefits white people, while it simultaneously creates disparities and inequities in every aspect of life for Black and Brown people. For white folks, there is much work to be done to shift the power and privilege imbalance Americans of Color experience. Ignoring or denying that work only further perpetuates systemic racism. Listening patiently and empathetically to those directly affected by these atrocities without defensiveness or centering whiteness can go a long way to help others but we must not stop there. 

It is time for tough conversations with corresponding action. We express our solidarity and reaffirm our commitment to doing the important work of disrupting the systemic racism that is at the root of these horrendous injustices. We challenge all of our members to work collectively within and outside our organization to examine our own racial biases, learn more about the actions that perpetuate racism and oppression, and to become a part of the solution - a more inclusive and equitable society. 

AHEAD, led by the Racial and Ethnic Diversity and Disability Knowledge and Practice Community, will be offering upcoming opportunities for dialogue and learning:

• Free Webinar: Cultural Humility and Implicit Bias

• Free Webinar: What Can I Do? Leveraging White Privilege to Disrupt Racism

• Open Dialogue: An Invitation for Black and African American AHEADMembers to Connect and Initiate Progressively Meaningful Change in their Higher Education and Local Communities

In addition, the AHEAD Board will begin discussions at this summer’s board meeting about how we can address bias and racism in our organization. We are committed to continuing conversations and action surrounding this topic.

Support for our Black Students and Students of Color

Provided from the Multicultural Resource Center:

• Email Marvin Woodard, coordinator of the Multicultural Resource Center, at woodardm@sou.edu to arrange a meeting.

• Request funds for a Black therapist online at tinyurl.com/soufundrequest

• Request financial support at tinyurl.com/soucaresact

• Get advocacy for extensions and flexibility in class at tinyurl.com/soucaresform

Social Media of the MRC

• Instagram: mrcsou

• Twitter: mrc_sou

• Facebook: MRC.at.SOU

Directions and Parking Map

Disability Resources is located at the main Southern Oregon University campus in the Academic Support Programs office at 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard Ashland, Oregon 97520-5004. 

We are located in the basement level of the Stevenson Union, directly below the SOU bookstore. Elevator access is available.

Check the campus map for accessible parking, routes, and doors on campus. Coming soon - a wayfinding app!

Location on Campus

The Academic Support Programs office can be entered from our front door at the Campus Visitor Parking Lot on Siskiyou Blvd. There is a fully accessible walkway leading from the public sidewalk along Siskiyou Blvd. to the Stevenson Union.

You can also enter from inside the Stevenson Union. We are located in the basement level of the student union, directly below the SOU bookstore. Elevator access is available.

Lost? Please call our front desk at 541-552-6213 (opt 2). We will be glad to assist you.

Appointments

For students new to DR please visit our New to Disability Resources page.

For more information please visit our Contact Page.

Online Students

Disability Resources services are available to all distance learning (online) students as well as on-campus students. Inquiry and intake appointments can be held over the phone.

Campus-Sponsored Events

Participating in a campus-sponsored event or nonacademic program and need accommodations for a disability? We can help.
Please call us at 541-552-6213 (opt 2).
(Notice of at least 7 days is strongly encouraged to make sure that we can put into place any accommodations you need.)

Need an interpreter, captioned video, or transcription for a campus event? Fill out a Custom Request here!

Opportunities

We have a page listing scholarship and internship opportunities  specifically designated for students with disabilities.

Federal Law

In accordance with federal law, Disability Resources provides opportunities for people with disabilities to register to vote.