8.1MB - College of Education - Auburn University
8.1MB - College of Education - Auburn University
8.1MB - College of Education - Auburn University
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Innovation<br />
station<br />
<strong>College</strong>’s new Center for Disability<br />
Research and Service <strong>of</strong>fers range <strong>of</strong><br />
resources for region<br />
A<br />
diving accident nearly 20<br />
years ago left Scott Renner<br />
paralyzed from the neck<br />
down, but it didn’t stop him from<br />
living a rich and active life.<br />
Renner credits assistive technology for helping him enjoy some<br />
<strong>of</strong> the same activities he engaged in before the accident. Assistive<br />
technology enables him to turn on lights, open doors and answer<br />
his phone, but it also affords him the freedom to engage in more<br />
adventurous pursuits like water skiing.<br />
“My rehab was looking at the utilization <strong>of</strong> assistive technology,”<br />
said Renner, the assistive technology coordinator for <strong>Auburn</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s<br />
new Center for Disability Research and Service. “I think it<br />
represents quality <strong>of</strong> life. It’s independence, and people want to have<br />
a high level <strong>of</strong> independence, choice and control.”<br />
Faculty and staff assigned to the Center for Disability Research<br />
and Service are committed to helping individuals with disabilities<br />
realize their hopes and dreams and gain and maintain the freedom<br />
Renner described. The center, an extension <strong>of</strong> the college’s Department<br />
<strong>of</strong> Special <strong>Education</strong>, Rehabilitation and Counseling housed in<br />
the Dawson Building, <strong>of</strong>fers resources and conducts research in the<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> assistive technology, autism and developmental disabilities,<br />
program evaluation, and employer and community support. The<br />
facility opened to the public in August 2010 and has already earned<br />
acclaim for some <strong>of</strong> its research efforts.<br />
“The center will become a nationally recognized research hub<br />
regarding autism and will conduct research on the most significant<br />
disabilities relative to gaining access to education, employment,<br />
housing, transportation, health care and leisure,” <strong>Auburn</strong> President<br />
Jay Gogue said.<br />
Dr. E. Davis Martin, department head and Wayne T. Smith<br />
distinguished pr<strong>of</strong>essor, said the center’s multifaceted nature will<br />
enable it to provide meaningful assistance to individuals with significant<br />
disabilities in living independently and realizing their goals.<br />
The center’s personnel engage in research and service activities<br />
including counseling, speech, kinesiology, psychology and human<br />
services.<br />
“We’re trying to develop a model that will allow us to better assist<br />
those with the most significant disabilities to work, live and play<br />
in the communities <strong>of</strong> their choice,” Martin said.<br />
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