Disabled Student Center poised for growth after first year

Senior Trina McConnell is one of the many students who have benefited from the Disabled Student Center on the Washington State University Pullman campus during its first year of operation. She said it a valuable space where students are connecting with others, finding and sharing resources, and socializing in a place they feel safe.

That is exactly what the working group under the direction of the vice chancellor for Student Affairs envisioned in 2023 when it came together to explore the feasibility of establishing the center. The center opened its doors in the Washington Building that summer and will officially celebrate its first anniversary from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, exactly one year since holding its grand opening. The WSU community is invited to drop by the center in room 223, enjoy snacks, and visit with staff and students.

"I think the biggest accomplishment for the center so far has been that students, whether they have a visible or invisible disability, feel it is a place on campus where they can be themselves," said Roberto Morales, associate director of student services at the Access Center. "We look forward to hearing ideas from others about where the center can grow from here."

Forging partnerships across campus

The center is staffed by a part-time coordinator, an assistant student coordinator, and three Cougar Compass mentors. McConnell is serving as both the assistant student coordinator and a Compass Mentor. She said the space has been invaluable for providing a place where the mentors can meet with their mentees.

The center is also a place where students are engaging with faculty and staff. Morales said center staff have forged partnerships with departments such as the Academic Success and Career Center, Student Financial Aid, the Residence Life Social Justice Committee, and the Dean of Students Office care team, which have conducted workshops or held office hours in the center.

While there have been many successes, Morales and McConnell said more work lies ahead before the center realizes its full potential. Not only would staff like to see more students utilize the space but want allies to know they are welcome in the center too. McConnell said staff are still determining what kinds of programming students would like to see on a consistent basis and are continually working to gather student feedback. On her wish list for next year are more resources for outreach efforts, healthier snacks in the center, and front-desk staff.

McConnell said students may not be aware or fully appreciate that WSU is on the cutting edge when it comes to providing a center for disabled students, but she recognizes it is making a positive difference in her life.

"Some days I come into the center feeling rotten and socially anxious," McConnell said. "After I've had a chance to interact with the students and staff there, I always leave in a much better mood."