Spotlight Member of the Month
Mike Hoenig
-
What is your role in CDA and how long have you been a member?
-
What is your favorite thing about CDA?
-
What is your position on campus?
-
What is your disability or condition, if any, if you are comfortable sharing?
-
What is your educational background?
- M.A., Rehabilitation Counseling, The University of Iowa, 1987
- B.A., Psychology, Central College, 1984
-
What advice would you give to a colleague on campus who has a (DIS)ability?
-
What advice would you give to a student on campus who has a (DIS)ability?
-
Where is your favorite place to eat in town?
-
What is your favorite activity to do at UI?
-
What best disability-related practices or changes do you recommend to better our campus?
I believe that the university needs to be more proactive in ensuring accessibility when it comes to purchasing software applications which impact significant numbers of employees. The recent upgrade to ELMS, for example, presented accessibility problems for those of us who use screen readers. We need to continue to address the issue of website accessibility, striving for 100% compliance. Finally, we should centralize the production of materials in alternate formats.
I’ve been active for approximately two years though I have attended meetings from as far back as the 1990’s. I am working with Brian Manternach to develop an initiative to recognize individuals and programs on campus for their efforts to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities. I also serve as liaison between CDA and the Center for Disabilities and Development.
Interacting with and learning from our dynamic members, along with the positive energy which this interaction creates
Program Coordinator at the Center for Disabilities and Development
Blindness due to a retinal condition called Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis
Work with your department to receive required accommodations. This is a very receptive community-but oftentimes departments don’t know what accommodations are needed. Use any opportunities you can to educate!
Learn about, and when necessary, utilize Student Disability Services to assist you with accommodations. Don’t depend on SDS for everything, though. You won’t have an SDS in your job, so it’s important to learn how to advocate on your own behalf.
The Sanctuary. There’s nothing better than a great pizza and an IPA after a long day’s work. Atmosphere is terrific, too.
Watch my Nittany Lions take down the Hawks
Get to Know Other Members of the Month!
- Carly Armour, Student Disability Advisor, SDS
- Bob Harding, Utility Systems Specialist, UI Power Plant
- Teresa Kout, Participant Services Coordinator in Study Abroad, UI International Programs
- Kathy Ford, Administrative Coordinator & Assistant to the Chair in the School of Music
- Mike Hoenig, Program Coordinator at the Center for Disabilities and Development
- Brian Manternach, Facilities Accessibility Coordinator, Facilities Management – Building & Landscape Services
- Mark Harris, Director, Student Disability Services
- Keith Ruff, Community Social and Educational Advocate, Access 2 Independence
- Tiffini Stevenson Earl, Compliance Specialist and ADA Coordinator, Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity
- Peter Gerhard, Academic Advisor, Academic Advising Center
- David Fitzgerald, Retired from Career Pomerantz Center
- Rachel Gatewood, Campus Collaboration Specialist, Center for Diversity & Enrichment
- John Mikelson, Coordinator, Veterans Center
- Jan Gorman, Director, Faculty and Staff Disability Services
Stay tuned for future Members of the Month!