Spotlight Member of the Month
Teresa Kout
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What is your role in CDA and how long have you been a member?
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What is your favorite thing about CDA?
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What is your position on campus?
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What is your disability or condition, if any, if you are comfortable sharing?
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What advice would you give to a colleague on campus who has a (DIS)ability?
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What advice would you give to a student on campus who has a (DIS)ability?
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Where is your favorite place to eat in town?
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What is your favorite activity to do at UI?
- What best disability-related practices or changes do you recommend to better our campus?
As the design process goes forward, it is so much more important to look beyond the ADA compliance rules. I think it would be incredibly helpful if a person who lives, day to day, with varieties of (DIS)abilities to speak into HOW the function actually accommodates the clients. Stop focusing totally on meeting the criteria to ensuring the criteria is function for its use.
I joined CDA approximately one year ago, then took a few months off due to workload. Now I’m back and excited to participate again.
There are so many aspects of diversity represented on this committee, we all have our own points of view. Coming together to address issues and challenges at UI is very rewarding. I am thankful to be a part of this amazing group.
My title is Participant Services Coordinator in Study Abroad in UI International Programs. I help to centralize some of the aspects of students studying abroad, oversee scholarship competitions, advise students on scholarship options and also advise for visa needs (among other things).
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in July 2000 and lived quietly with that knowledge for seven years. At that time, little things became more apparent, difficulty walking, numbness, weakness, etc. In 2010 I began using the wheelchair full time.
Even though it is completely you decision when and what you share with others, be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your HR representative, Faculty and Staff Disability Services, or others. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act you can discuss accommodations that can help you be more productive. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Don’t wait until things are feeling out of control to seek out assistance. There are many on campus who want to see you succeed and have tools that can help.
Well, that would need to rephrase to “drink” – I LOVE T-Spoons and Java House. Coffee is my guilty pleasure!
I enjoy Iowa Hawkeye football, I don’t go to many games, but I love to watch it!
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!