N ’
S e November 1997

  

The Douglas College Newsletter

For high school students,
choosing a career path is
often a struggle. Actually
putting the plan into action is
a whole new challenge —
especially for students with a
disability.

Ten years ago, Burnaby South
grad Daniel Rosenberg knew
he wanted to pursue a
business career. “It’s always
been my dream to run my
own business. When I was in
Grade 12, I visited Douglas
College and liked what it had
to offer.”

As a hard-of-hearing student,
Rosenberg turned to Disabled
Student Services (DSS) when
it came time to register and
attend classes. “When I first
came to the College, the
service was relatively new. I
think there were only three

deaf students at that time, and
the system didn’t know what
our needs and preferences
were.” A part-time student
now working full-time at

 

Hard science meets high tech

Biology Instructor Mary Vickers and Government of BC

m@ New Westminster Campus, David Lam Campus & Thomas Haney Centre

VanCity, Rosenberg says that
DSS has since evolved into a
service able to meet his needs.

DSS Instructor Libby Russell
cracks a grin as she agrees
with Rosenberg. “I’m smiling
because I consider Daniel to
be one of our ambassadors.
He’s grown a lot, in terms of
addressing his own needs and
communicating them
directly. At one time,
instructors were quite
distanced from hearing
impaired and deaf students.
Now, thanks to students like
Daniel, DSS works to create
partnerships that students and
faculty can develop
themselves.”

o

#

Assisted by interpreter Sherry (left), Libby Russell (centre) and Daniel Rosenberg (right) get
down to business in Student Services.

Rosenberg adds that although
access to oral/sign support
services and e-mail have made
direct communication easier
= his classes, it’s important instructors — including John
for instructors to know they

. Blackwell, Firoz Kassam,
can still contact DSS for

Diana Wegner and Sheila

information and assistance. .
Winder — for creating

He also cites several
excellent examples of college

classrooms made more
enjoyable for students with
hearing impairments. “They
were easy to contact during
and after class, open to me

IN

>

asking questions directly and
were always very helpful.”

This semester, Rosenberg
became the first hard-of-
hearing student at the David
Lam Campus, pioneering his
way through a course in Web
design. But the end is now in
sight — he only needs one

Good move for Malnarich

Vice President of College Development Mia Gordon advises the College that Gillies Malnarich
has accepted a secondement to BC’s Centre for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology.
Malnarich, currently Coordinator of Douglas Development, will be seconded on a half-time basis
for November and December of this year, and on a full-time basis from January - July’ 1998.

provide leadership through the balance of the academic year."

provincial arena.”

Business Consultant/Systems Analyst Parm Randhawa share
a smile at Quantum Leaps VII, a workshop to encourage
young women to consider careers in science and technology.
The popular event, held at the College on October 22,
attracted over 120 participants from local high schools.

Douglas College

    

more course to graduate with
a General Business Diploma
in June. “But we hope he
stays in contact with the
College,” Russell says. “As a
lifelong learner out in the
workforce, and as someone
who has grown along with us,
Daniel is a great role model
for all of our students.” @

“It’s crucial that we provide continuity for initiatives begun over past years,” Gordon says. “So
the back-filling for the coordinator position will be through one-quarter time releases or
secondements. It's my hope that those already committed to specific initiatives will continue to

“Gillies has provided leadership and inspiration for the work of Douglas Development,” Gordon
adds. “This is a great opportunity for her to grow and to share her expertise and energy in the

 

Quote of the Month

“There are three ways to get something done: do it yourself, hire someone, or forbid your kids to do it.”

Monta Crane