ODR Empowers

Presented by Dana Kieran (Office of Disability Resources)

The Office of Disability Resources provided a two day orientation program designed specifically for first year students or transfer students with disabilities. The purpose of this orientation program, ODR Empowers, was  to 1) provide resources for students transitioning into the college setting, 2) provide educational opportunities to strengthen executive functioning skills,  3) promote positive relationships with campus partners, 4) strengthen the connection between the student and the Office of Disability Resources, and 5) ultimately empower students to use resources available on campus by becoming self-advocates.  In this presentation, further explanation of the program, the results on the effectiveness of the program as well as actions for improvement will be shared.

Presenter Bio:

Dana Kieran currently serves as the Assistant Director in Disability Resources. She received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Longwood College. Dana spent seventeen years in the public school setting serving as a Special Education Teacher prior to coming to Longwood 2012. She continues to work serving persons with disabilities, encouraging students reach their goals, pushing them to become self-advocates and citizen leaders.