Spend an informative 45 minutes with Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources, whose enthusiasm and passion infuse her conversation with Tomorrow Makers podcast co-hosts Sumer Beatty and Carlos Ramos.
Hearing-impaired since birth, Dawn speaks in "Inclusivity & Universal Design" about her real-life experiences and how they influence and inspire her efforts toward equal opportunities for students at Penn College.
"I usually do encourage and bring awareness to students to explain that accommodations and supports level the playing field; that's actually going to bring you to the same level as all the other students, which is a really important aspect to think about. You're going to be able to put your true potential and effort forward at that point." Dickey says.
"For the campus community, anything that we can do to create a welcoming and inclusive environment so students do feel empowered to use those kinds of resources when learning."
Whether a high school or college student, a parent, an instructor at any level or someone on the outside looking – and listening – in, this message of inclusivity will hit home in meaningful and thought-provoking ways.
Share thoughts about the episode (or suggest future topics) by email.