Access+Ability=Accessibility
Like the heading says, this is a blog serving higher education professionals in the Disability Support Service (DSS) field. Yes, it is a public forum where professionals in the DSS field can find resources and news as well as air concerns, brainstorm solutions, and find like-minded individuals to share thoughts. However, students with disabilities, as well as their family members, are also invited to share in the discussions. The goal of Access Ability is to have an informative site where resources can be shared for the betterment of all.
A little background...
My name is Ron Graham. A few years ago, I coined the phrase, “If you’re not including somebody, you’re excluding them.” With the ever-evolving dynamics in technology and the legal rights of people with disabilities, there are fewer and fewer excuses that can be tolerated for not providing accessability to individuals.
Disability Support Services is a unique and specialized profession, one that I know from both sides of the service relationship. I was blinded after receiving a head injury in an auto accident 13 years ago. Following this life-changing event, I returned to college at age 33. I went on to earn my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Bachelors Degree in Behavior Science, and Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. Granted, I understand the role of the recipient of services from DSS providers. However, I also know the role of the DSS provider as well, as I worked as a graduate assistant in the DSS office at an upper level Texas university for the three years of my graduate program. Most recently, I was the Coordinator of DSS at a Texas community college. While personal circumstances caused me to leave that position, my passion for DSS professionals to keep the focus on service will never cease. This is how Access Ability came to be.
So, welcome to Access Ability, and we look forward to serving our target audience
About Me
- Ron Graham
- Access+Ability = Accessibility. Positive attitude and positive change are what Access Ability is all about. For background, I am a former supervisor with the Texas prison system, medically retired following a 13-year career. In 1993, I was blinded in an auto accident at age 31. Since that life-changing event, I have gone back to college and earned an AAS (Criminal Justice), BS (Behavior Science), and MA (Clinical Psychology). During grad school, I worked for 3 years in the university’s DSS office as a graduate assistant to the coordinator. I also worked most recently as Coordinator of DSS at a Texas community college. I also have gained experience as a public speaker on a variety of topics. The central theme in all these subjects has been attitude. Mine is a positive one, and I am a person who will work for change in that direction. I am a man who happens to be blind, not a blind man. That is my personal distinction in attitude. However, I believe it is one which could serve a broad population when applied in the world of Disability Support Services.
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