Hard News Article

As part of my PCM 300 (Professional Writing) course, I wrote a hard news-style story. This article is fictional and will not be published; it's just a sample of my writing ability. It's written in a style intended for a school newspaper.


Alverno Disability Support Services

Alverno College issued a statement today reminding its students of the disability support services offered.

“When students with disabilities can identify and develop their strengths, they feel good about themselves and take more risks to achieve their goals. So in addition to accommodations, I provide them with strategies and support,” said Colleen Barnett, Alverno’s Coordinator for Student Accessibility.

She estimates 3% of Alverno students have disabilities, which include learning disabilities, chronic medical problems, and sensory and mobility problems. Any student that thinks she may be eligible should contact Barnett and schedule a meeting. “Bring documentation of your issue if you have it. Even if you don’t have documentation, you may still be eligible.”

Many services are offered for disabled students. Alternative testing, tutors, physical access, advocacy, and coaching are just some listed on the Alverno website.

An Alverno student who asked for her name to not be disclosed commented on her experiences with the disability program, saying, “I would have never gotten as far as I have without the support offered through Barnett. So many assignments – maybe even courses – would have slipped through the cracks in my earlier semesters. Now that I’ve learned how to communicate my needs and concerns effectively to my instructors, I’ve become a much more capable and independent student.”

The Office for Student Accessibility is a fairly recent addition to Alverno. According to Barnett, she originally served as a teacher at Alverno. In 1991, one of her students had dyslexia. She began research on dyslexia to teach this student more effectively, which caught the attention of Barnett’s supervisor. Accommodations for disabled students existed but were spread across several departments. Plans were made to merge them into one comprehensive unit. Alverno’s disability services program launched in 1995 when several services were consolidated into the new office.

Students interested in disability services can visit http://www.alverno.edu/campus_resource/Academic_support/disability.html.