Let’s Talk Disabilities- With Isabella Smarro
By Isabella Smarro, Managing Editor
This year will be the first for many of us, going on campus for classes. That large list of young adults include me, a student who was stuck with zoom during Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. The moment I learned about the new COVID-19 policy, I picked all my classes to be in person, since I personally do much better with hands-on interactions.
The first column I wrote for the paper discussed how to find support systems online. Even though HVCC has no new options, it is a different process when you’re on campus. For students like myself with learning disabilities, we may need a little extra help with our schoolwork.
Before I start, I’d like to add that I will also be discussing ones that even people without disabilities can join. So with that said, let me go into the support systems HVCC offers and how to find them in person.
CAAT or Center for Access and Assistive Technology is found at the Siek Campus Center, room number 130. This deportment supports students with disabilities to achieve in their academics the best they can. Each student gets personal support that connects with their specific needs.
“Our philosophy is that the individuals we serve are students first, and their disabilities are secondary. The office strives to coordinate services that will enable students with disabilities to act as independently as possible in a supportive atmosphere that promotes self-reliance. It is the students’ choice whether or not they utilize the available services…” written on the main website page at https://www.hvcc.edu/caat/index.html
The CATT office is one of the fellow support systems I used back in the Fall of 2020 when I wasn’t doing the best in school. No matter if online or on campus, the staff are very supportive and nice. I can trust them to give me honest advice when needed.
Center for Academic Engagement or (CAE) is coaching for individual students on how to develop the necessary skills to have great academic success.
This hands on support option is found on the Siek Campus Center, room number 230.
Now if you don’t know exactly the style of support you need, HVCC’s Student Outreach and Retention program has multiple diverse possibilities to choose from. This link sends you to all of them.
https://www.hvcc.edu/dept/issr/student-outreach-retention.html
While looking through them, the one that caught my eye was (SOS) or Student Support. Even though none of the steps are mid school options, they do help with preparation for your first year of college.
I kind of get jealous reading their list because I never knew this was an option when I started school. I wish I did since during the first couple of months, I struggled with all the things they help you with.
The list includes the welcome speech to college life, information about payment deadlines and even a glimpse of some things you may struggle with at the start of your school year.
This option is not found on campus but you may call them at (518) 629-7251. I personally suggest taking time to look at this section online, since it may make starting your semester much easier.
The last one I will be sharing is the general HELP desk at HVCC. Now you may be asking why this is so important to know but many of us will sooner than later, we need help with something we just can’t do on our own. For some it’s how to use their technology, well guess what? The Help desk has support for you.
You know all the support options I’ve listed, the Help Desk makes finding them online and oncampus much easier thanks to the amazing staff members who work there. This is found at the lower level of the Marvin Library Learning Center.
If you would like to personally find more options, please check out these choices using the link down below.