First Annual Disability Issues Forum

James J. Costello, Assistant Dean for Student ServicesIn an effort to better understand the critical needs and problems experienced by students with disabilities at the University of Florida, the First Annual Disability Issues Forum was held on March 30, 1996. A central element of the Forum was identifying critical barriers to academic success and generating potential solutions directly from students with disabilities.

Enclosed is a copy of our Executive Summary Report describing our experience at the Forum. The current and critical needs of students with disabilities are outlined in this booklet. It is our hope that this document will be a primary information resource for faculty and staff in their everyday service to students with disabilities.

Also enclosed is a copy of our recent brochure titled, Academic Support Services for Students with Disabilities. This brochure describes services on campus that promote academic success as well as the process necessary for registering as a student with a disability at the University of Florida. Additional copies of this brochure are available for your students upon request.

Students with disabilities continue to experience personal and academic success within every college and department of the University of Florida. It is our hope that these materials will assist in improving the awareness of these issues and contribute to your continued work in meeting the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.

If you have any questions about these materials or wish to coordinate an information session about disability-related issues for your staff, please contact me at 392-1261 (Voice) or 392-3008 (TDD). Alternatively, you can reach me by email at james_costello@sfa.ufl.edu or via our web page at http://www.ufsa.ufl.edu/OSS/OSD/.