DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER SUPPORT FUND
Our Mission
As a division of Student Affairs at the University of Georgia, the Disability Resource Center assists students with disabilities in functioning independently on the college campus while they are pursuing educational goals. Our mission is to create an accessible academic, social, and physical environment for students, ensuring that every student benefits from the preeminent academic and co-curricular education and services the University offers.
Leading the Way
Created in 1984, the Disability Resource Center quickly developed into a collegiate leader, obtaining national recognition and becoming a paragon to other schools. Initially, the newly established office served approximately 50 students; today, our department provides the most comprehensive post-secondary services in the Southeast, assisting more than 800 students with documented physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments.
Our goal is to exceed the levels of services mandated by law to remain on the leading edge of ensuring equal access for students. Maintaining these levels in the face of such tremendous growth, however, is a challenge. UGA currently invests all funds available to satisfactorily serve its students with disabilities. Nevertheless, the Disability Resource Center cannot, without private support, reach the next level of service and remain on that leading edge.
Opening the Doors of Opportunity
By giving to the Disability Resource Center Support Fund, you will give students with disabilities the opportunities and support which might not be otherwise available. The fund:
- sponsors the STAR (Student Transition and Retention) program, an orientation program designed to acclimate incoming students with disabilities to the University environment. It addresses student life issues, such as study skills, use of adaptive technology, career planning, and motivation and leadership development.
- supports Disability Education and Awareness, vital to the smooth integration of students with disabilities into University programs and campus life. The fund supports a variety of programs, events and educational materials designed to promote University and community awareness of disability related issues.
- supports Supplementary Student Services, which can sometimes make the difference in a student's life between having access and obtaining the full benefit of all that the University has to offer. These services include peer groups, personal care attendant referrals, tutorial assistance, and student mentors.
- purchases equipment, allowing our students to take advantage of the recent revolution in adaptive technology and equipment. The multitude of products currently on the market reflects the growing awareness that accessibility and capability are sometimes only a new design away.
Scholarships and Awards
Each year private support helps the Disability Resource Center award thousands of dollars in scholarships honoring former UGA students. Like the Disability Resource Center Support Fund, these awards help students receive the benefit of a complete UGA education.
Lauren Melissa Kelly Award - Dedicated to the memory of Lauren Melissa Kelly ('92), this award is given to students with disabilities who are in need of special financial assistance. Special consideration is given to students with chronic health conditions.
Gregory Charles Johnson Scholarship - Established in honor of Gregory Charles Johnson ('93), this scholarship is given to students with disabilities as a result of a physical trauma.
Margaret Anne Towson Memorial Scholarship - Dedicated in memory of Margaret Anne Towson ('78), this scholarship is given to students with visual impairments.
Thank You!
We appreciate your interest in supporting our students. Any contribution will make a positive difference in their lives, helping them meet their unique challenges and obtain the full benefit of their UGA education. You are welcome to visit our offices and see firsthand the benefits of your gift. Simply contact Dr. Karen Kalivoda, Director, Disability Resource Center, at (706) 542-8719, or email at voda@uga.edu.
Opportunities for Giving
- cash
- life insurance
- securities
- multi-year pledges
- real estate
- other planned gifts
- estate gifts
All gifts for the Disability Resource Center are made through the University of Georgia Foundation. You may direct your gift to support the Disability Resource Center by indicating that your contribution is intended for the Disability Resource Center Support Fund. These gifts are fully tax deductible.
For further details on pledges or planned gifts, contact the Director of Development in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at (706) 542-9890.