HSCommunity: Celebrating Advances for the Disability Community
HSCommunity is a newsletter highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences.
July 2023: Celebrating Advances for the Disability Community
/ Court Side
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This law protects the rights of individuals with disabilities and has opened the doors for many humans to actively participate in employment, education and everyday life. Learn more about the ADA and its 33rd anniversary.
When I think of the ADA – I cannot help but think of those, such as the late Judith E. Heumann, who dedicated their lives to upholding these rights. There is one other person who I cannot help but think of – our very own ADA coordinator on campus, Jill Hess. If you have never met Jill, she is everything we expect out of a Mountaineer. She also is a great resource in helping create a space that is accessible and accommodating for all. I encourage you all to not only learn more about the ADA but familiarize yourself with the resources you have available to create thriving spaces for our students, staff and faculty. Below are some amazing resources to assist you on this journey.
- WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
- WVU Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- WVU Student Accessibility Services
- Americans with Disabilities Act
- Quick Guide to Disability Pride
It is truly an honor to sign off this month with Happy Disability Pride month!
/ Court Lanham, MSW
They/Them
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean’s Office
/ Share Your Thoughts
All students, faculty and staff are invited to share their opinions and suggestions for diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences. Your participation will help develop strategic initiatives and plan future efforts.
/ Upcoming Events
Asian American/Pacific Islander Support Space
Understanding who we are can be challenging, especially when you are in the middle of two colliding cultures. This space is specifically designated for AAPI individuals who are in the process of finding their identity. Meets during summer every other Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Rec Center. Learn more.
Free Audiology Screenings
The West Virginia University School of Medicine Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders will offer free audiology screenings to the public on the first or second Friday of each month through the remainder of 2023. Learn more.
International Student Welcome Picnic
Grab a bite to eat and meet fellow international students on the Mountainlair Green on Monday, Aug. 14, from 12-3 p.m.
Welcome Back BBQ
Head to the Mountainlair Green to hang out with fellow students and eat BBQ on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 12-4 p.m. Hosted by the Center for Black Culture.
LGBTQ+ Center Graduate Student, Faculty and Staff Welcome Back Event
Representatives and community members will be on hand on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 4-6 p.m. at Maple House to provide information about resources available to the University’s LGBTQ+ community and how to be more involved. Register online.
Visiting Artist Lecture: George Rodriguez
Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, Texas, George Rodriguez creates highly ornamented, figurative ceramic sculptures, often underlined by a connection to the sociopolitical issues the artist explores. Lecture will take place Thursday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m. in the Canady Creative Arts Center Bloch Learning and Performance Hall. Learn more.
LGBTQ+ Center Undergraduate Welcome Back Event
Representatives and community members will be on hand on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 4-6 p.m. at Maple House to provide information about resources available to the University’s LGBTQ+ community and how to be more involved. Register online.
/ News & Announcements
WVU LGBTQ+ Commission seeks new members
Composed of faculty, staff, students and at least one individual from the broader community who meet once per month, commission members meet with University leadership to provide recommendations germane to issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and gender diverse people at WVU. Learn more.
New podcast episode: Vacationing with a child with disabilities
We've assembled three experts to discuss the tips and tricks, and unique challenges and joys of taking a family vacation with a child with a disability. Learn more.
Record number of WVU students receive Gilman Scholarships to study abroad
Twenty undergraduate students received the competitive national award funded by the U.S. State Department to travel abroad without financial constraints. Learn more.
Study abroad trip in London allows nursing students to experience another culture
Nine WVU School of Nursing students recently traveled to London as part of a study abroad trip to learn more about Britain’s healthcare system and to experience a new culture. Learn more.
Women of WVU announces 2023-’24 grant recipients
Established by the WVU Foundation in 2014, Women of WVU is a giving circle that aims to empower and inspire women as leaders, philanthropists and advocates for the University. Learn more.
WVU School of Pharmacy extends exchange program with Oman
In a world where the exchange of knowledge transcends borders, two students from the National University of Science and Technology in Oman traveled to Morgantown for a unique learning experience. Learn more.
Senior nursing student in recovery hopes to improve care for veterans with SUD
For Holly Perkins, improving substance use disorder treatment and patient care is personal. After some traumatic experiences in her childhood, Perkins turned to drugs as a way to ease her pain. She ultimately sought help at Chestnut Ridge Hospital, where she received life-changing and life-affirming care. Learn more.
Nurse-led access to care points within faith communities aim to improve mental health in rural Mingo County
James and Nicole Messer, both masters-prepared nurses and WVU School of Nursing-trained Faith Community Nurses, have been working to improve mental health for members of the Jenny’s Creek Gospel Church and the broader community of Kermit in Mingo County. Learn more.
Juneteenth message from Javier McCoy
Javier McCoy, Center for Black Culture interim director, shared a message about perseverance, resilience and tenacity in observance of Juneteenth. Watch video.
WVU researchers look at burnout among community faith leaders
Research from the WVU School of Nursing suggests faith community nurses and leaders use a team-based approach to lessen high workload and stress on individuals. The study observed how faith community nurses, pastors and priests experience burnout. Read more.