Coordinator:

Mr. Anthony Phifer

Office Assistant:

Ms.Cheressa Perry

CUNY LEADS Advisor:

Ms. Paula Whitney Best

Exam Proctor:

Ms. MaryAnn Jones

Services provided by the office include the following:

• Pre admission interviews
• Priority registration
• Auxiliary aids
• Individualized testing accommodations and arrangements
• Support group for students with disabilities
• Advocacy
• On campus parking (dependent on nature of disability)
• Direct liaison between offices providing financial aid counseling
• Academic counseling
• Vocational and rehabilitative counseling
• Special equipment: tape recorders, copier that enlarges print, telephone adapters, specially equipped personal computers with voice recognition software, scanner and screen access software, text to speech synthesizer, screen magnification systems and software, large format displays, and CCTV visual enlarging systems.

Hours vary during summer (closed some Fridays during Summer), exam and vacation periods.

Greetings!

It is truly a pleasure for me to be able to address all of you and to tell you about the Office of Services for the Differently-Abled! My primary responsibility as the Coordinator of Services for the Differently-Abled is to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive reasonable accommodations under the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations are arrangements made in order to allow people with disabilities every opportunity to perform to their full academic potential in the classroom. Examples of accommodations that may be provided (on a case by case basis) are: extra-time on exams, use of a tape recorder or note-taker in class, and use of adaptive equipment. All accommodations are based on official documentation provided by medical, psychological, and educational professionals who are able substantiate a disability. This documentation must be submitted to the office before services are rendered.

While my job is one that is extremely rewarding from many aspects, much of my time is spent attempting to dispel certain myths associated with admitting to having a disability and a need for assistance. These myths are: 1) a disability must be visible in order to exist, 2) if one registers for special services it will be indicated on their transcript or degree when they graduate, and 3) it will prevent one from getting a job. As a person with a disability myself who graduated from a CUNY college with two degrees and advanced certification in guidance and counseling, I can honestly say that none of these myths are true!! For those of you who I am fortunate enough to work with, I will do my very best to be your number one supporter and advocate as I assist you on your journey to becoming a Medgar Evers College graduate!! I hope to meet with you soon!

Sincerely,

Anthony Phifer