You are here: Home » Faculty Development & Support » Knowledge Transfer – DSP Profession Knowledge, Mentors, and Colleagues

Knowledge Transfer – DSP Profession Knowledge, Mentors, and Colleagues

Handouts

Scheduled at 9:00 am in Denver 1-3 on Friday, November 15.

#39798

Speaker(s)

  • Sheryl Ballenger, Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Georgia Tech- College of Design

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Not provided
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

The professional DSP’s role has been on campus since the passage of Section 504. We are currently seeing 2nd or 3rd generation DSPs. Our first-generation DSPs learned on-the-job how to be a DSP and built the programs. With the framework of access in place, second-gen DSPs continue that work while navigating new technology options and responsibilities. With an eye to the future, we’ll discuss how-to do the DSP role, the need for mentors, and AT colleagues.

Abstract

In 1990 with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, many college programs hired first generation Disability Support Providers (DSP). Our field is now on the second or third generation of Disability Support personnel. According to Jane Jarrow, a 35+ year veteran in our field, at least half of the attendees to the 2024 AHEAD conference may be new to disability support work. Since DSPs may come from a variety of backgrounds, some may be struggling with the how-to of day-to-day activities. Add to that, current technical aspects and assistive technology is now an expectation. DSPs may not have had opportunity to cover the how-to part of disability service provision. An important concept are DSP mentors or a DSP network within a state or area. In Georgia, we have several ways for DSPs to connect. In this session, we will discuss the beginning years and quickly turn our focus to the knowledge base required for the professional DSP. Discussion will include technical knowledge abilities and very new understanding of AI generated tools used on college campuses. DSPs must stay abreast of new technologies coming to campus and discover AT colleagues to assist in decision making. We will take a look at new assistive technologies incorporating AI to individualize accommodations and faculty/classroom interactions. We will also discuss the potential for AI misuse. In some situations, the DSP may be the only voice campaigning for access.

Keypoints

  1. AT assessments and training using a client-centered approach for best practice model.
  2. AT for Time Management, Organization, and Stress Management for academic success.
  3. AT's role in student mental health support in conjunction with other professional services for student success.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Faculty Development & Support

Speaker Bio(s)

Sheryl Ballenger

Sheryl has a doctorate from the University of Georgia, with research in audism and transition for Deaf adults. She is the Education Lead and Manager of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation in the College of Design at Georgia Tech and teaches courses on accessibility. She is an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC). She holds professional certification as a Teacher of the Deaf and is a parent advisor for Georgia PINES. Her past includes serving colleges as a Disability Services Provider.

Handout(s)