The Student Empowerment Network

1. The Student Empowerment Network ADA Symposium – “Ways to Develop Safe and Stimulating Living Environments as We Age” Creighton University April 15, 2008

2. Objectives • Define the Student Empowerment Network (SEN) and its mission. • Describe the interest areas of SEN, and how they may be related to • Educating the Creighton community • Providing safe and stimulating environments for older adults

3. What is SEN? • A student-led service organization that focuses on, and advocates for, disability issues with Creighton University. SEN was established through the Special Needs and Assistance Committee (SNAC) in 1998. • SNAC – “students with disabilities in achieving equal access to the educational experiences available to all students” Office of Academic and Student Affairs [OASA]. (2005). Dealing with students with disabilities. Retrieved April 8, 2008, from Creighton University Web site.

4. Who can join? • All full or part-time Creighton students having a genuine interest in disability issues are welcome and encouraged to join SEN.

5. Our Mission • Student Empowerment Network (SEN) is a campus-wide student organization committed to empowering each member to have the knowledge and political savvy to make positive change happen for and with individual with disabilities; increase understanding among the student body regarding nature of various disabilities. SEN reflects the Jesuit traditions of Creighton University by addressing the needs and rights of disabled students to receive education that is equal to that of their non-disabled colleagues. SEN, like Creighton University, believes that “ethnic and cultural diversity are core values.” By serving with and for disabled students SEN strives to ensure justice in education while celebrating the diversity that makes each Creighton Student unique. Student Empowerment Network (2007). Retrieved April 10, 2008, from the Creighton University Web site.

6. Areas of Interest • Continuing Education • Architectural Barriers • Diversity • Community Outreach • Disability Discrimination • Barriers to Learning

7. Activities • Wheelchair Basketball Exhibition • Fundraiser to support Eastern Nebraska Wheelchair Athletic Association (ENWAA) • October 2007

8. Wheelchair Basketball Exhibition 2007

9. SEN as the Student Point of Contact • Educating students on Safe and Stimulating Environments for Older Adults • Continuing Education • Architectural Barriers • Community Outreach/Resources/Referral • Barriers to Learning/Participation

10. Continuing Education • Physiological and Cognitive changes that occur with aging • Hearing loss or vision changes • Architectural Barriers/Home Assessment • Suggestions on simple home modifications and/or adaptive equipment and technology e.g. Lighting/glare, coloring/patterns, fall hazards • CE opportunities – videos, speakers, resource binder U.S. Department of Justice. (2006, March). Accessibility Benefits Older Adults Customers.

11. ReferralSchool and Community Resources • As a student organization, SEN has the ability to refer students to: • Creighton ADA Committee • Special Needs and Assistance Committee (SNAC) • Office of Disability Accommodations (ODA) • Office of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA) • Dr. Linda Scheirton, Assoc. Dean of Academic Affairs – Student issues, Leaves of Absence

12. Social Networking • Educational Activities – important during active aging • Leads to an increase in social networks • Positively influences health and well-being • Network of Support • Emotional Support • Companionship • Instrumental Help • Advice • Affected by: • Retirement • Loss of friends or relatives • Decreasing levels of health Fernandez Portero, C. & Oliva, A. (2007). Social support, psychological well-being, and health among the elderly.

13. Community Resources • Friendship Program – Provides day services • www.friendshipinc.info • Caregiver Support Services – Educates family and professional caregivers • www.seniorcaregiversupport.com • Home Instead – Provides for home care and companionship • www.homeinstead.com • Senior Helpers – Provides trained caregivers • www.seniorhelpers.com

14. Barriers to Learning/Participation • A student may be faced with experiences and life situations that are challenging his/her learning or participation in education • Caregiver for older parent, parent with a disability, or other extended family member • Older adult learner who may be in need of accommodations

15. In Summary… • SEN, as an organization geared toward students, has the ability to: • Provide continuing education opportunities • Educating on age related changes • Offering simple/inexpensive solutions • Act as a point of contact or liaison for resources on CU campus and in the community

16. References Fernandez Portero, C. & Oliva, A. (2007). Social support, psychological well-being, and health among the elderly. Educational Gerontology, 33, 1053-1068. Office of Academic and Student Affairs [OASA]. (2005). Dealing with students with disabilities. Retrieved April 8, 2008, from Creighton University Web site: http://spahp.creighton.edu/spahp/student_affairs/policies/school_policies/disabilities.asp#RESPONSIBILITIES%20OF%20THE%20INDIVIDUAL%20MEMBERS%20OF%20SNAC Student Empowerment Network [SEN]. (2007). Retrieved April 10, 2008, from Creighton University Web site: http://www2.creighton.edu/studentempowerment/ U.S. Department of Justice. (2006, March). Accessibility Benefits Older Adults Customers. Retrieved on April 8, 2008, from http://www.ada.gov/olderaccess.pdf

17. Contact Information • Student Empowerment Web Site www.creighton.edu/studentempowerment/Stephanie Kokeshstephaniekokesh@creighton.edu Teresa Humbert teresahumbert@creighton.edu Kathleen Moore kathleenmoore@creighton.edu • SEN Faculty Advisor Dr. Linda Scheirton