Beginning in the early 1970's Marshall
University, committed itself to making all programs, services, and activities
fully accessible to students with disabilities. In 1973 a joint venture
was launched under the auspices of the University and the West Virginia
Division of Rehabilitation 
Services.
This federally-funded pilot project initially benefited 150 disabled students.
Over the past two decades, the program
has evolved into the Office for Disabled Student Services and the H.E.L.P
Program. The Disabled Student Services Program's goals are to provide the
educational and physical accessibility support necessary for students to
achieve their academic goals and to promote as much 
independence as possible on the part of students with disabilities
The Higher Education for Learning Problems (H.E.L.P) Program was established
in 1981. H.E.L.P provides qualified college students with learning disabilities
and/or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) the rights they are guaranteed under
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
On 
Wednesday, April 9, 1997, Marshall University conducted a program
entitled "A Celebration of Abilities." The purpose of this program
was to recognize and honor graduates and friends of Marshall who have met
the 
challenge of a disability
and are successfully pursuing a career. This Celebration also recognized
area high school students with disabilities who have the potential to achieve
this same success.
Marshall has a long and proud tradition
of serving students with disabilities. Marshall University is proud of the
distinguished accomplishments of these individuals as students and in their
places of employment.
Over
50 people were recognized in the program. The following individuals were
recognized on behalf of both the Disabled Student Services Office and the
H.E.L.P Program:
Students that have graduated and are currently working include:
Darren Bird, Kevin Jiminez, Cindi Taylor Treacy, Jay Young, Matt Pfaffenberger, Greg Carico, Barry Charles, Pete Collman, Geoff Hopkins, Emmitt Land, Sam Mano, Colleen O'Neill, Michelle Ratcliff, Steven Lawrence, Noah Paulovic, Dan Green, Cynthia Mathis Ross, Jerry Boyko, Randall Benear, Jim Deakin, Chris Porter, Amy Yost, LeeAnn Lyons, Anthony Bohrer, Carl Champ, Gary Clark, Robert Daniels, Linda Kidd, Tonya Lindsey, Jon Markowitz, Diana Quillen, Carter Jarrell, Pamela Pack, Tonya Workman, Cheryl Martin Harlowe, Jason Happe, Arden Sansom, Shelley Booton.
Students currently attending Marshall University as undergraduates include:
David Abrams, Jillian Barger, Kim Capehart, Jennifer Kelly, Ralph Daniel Adkins, Michael Rivera, Adam Dean, Tuan Reynolds.
Faculty and Staff honored include:
Violet Eash, Karen Mitchell, Wayne Taylor, Peggy Walker
Photo Captions (top to bottom):
Photo 1: Dr. Ed Grose, Senior Vice President for Operations, and Adam Dean chat about Adams graduation from Marshall and his plans for Law School.
Photo 2: Students listen to the words of wisdom passed on by Randy Benear.
Photo 3: Arden Sansom receives his MU mug and "Certificate of Achievement" as a Marshall graduate. Arden also provided insightful comments and words of encouragement for those in attendance.
Photo 4: Randy Benear is a 1988 graduate of Marshall University. Randy spoke to the audience about the struggles and triumphs of the "real world."
Photo 5: Graduating senior Kim Capehart talks with supporters in attendance at the Celebration of Abilities Day.
Photo 6: Steve Hensley (with Sandra Clements in the background) recognizes Patty Walker for her contributions as a staff member.