Services for Students with Disablities : OVERVIEW

Picture of SSD student in electric
wheelchair with his service dog surrounded by classmates

OVERVIEW

MISSION STATEMENT | ACCESSING SERVICES | STAFF

Mission:

The mission of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is to promote and facilitate:

the educational and personal development of Binghamton University students with disabilities,
the enhancement of the university's architectural and program accessibility,
and the promotion of a campus culture characterized by attitudes of caring, respect, and inclusion.

Accordingly, the office serves a multidimensional role as service provider, educator and advocate. Operational philosophy is based firmly on the belief that the individuals served are students first and that their disabilities are secondary.

Accessing Services

Students who anticipate a possible need for services or accommodations should register with Services for Students with Disabilities by:

Submitting detailed disability documentation from a professional who is licensed or certified to diagnose their disability(ies). NOTE: If you have a learning disability, ADHD, a psychiatric disabilitiy, Asperger's Syndrome, or a physical disability, please see the following links to SSD's documentation requirements for students seeking services and/or accommodations: LD/ADD Documentation Requirements, Autism Spectrum Disorder Documentation Requirements, Psychiatric Disability Documentation Requirements, and Physical Disability Documentation Requirements.

And scheduling an intake appointment with the Director or Learning Disabilities Specialist.

During the intake appointment, you and the SSD staff member will review the disability documentation you've submitted ahead of time and determine the reasonable accommodations and support services appropriate to your situation.

See SSD pages on: Academic Accommodations, Support Services, Campus Accessibility, Adaptive Technology and LD/ADD Educational Support for further information on services and educational opportunities.

Services For Students With Disabilities Staff

Barbara Jean Fairbairn - Director

Barbara Jean Fairbairn photo Ms. Jean Fairbairn is responsible for the overall direction of the office in the fulfillment of its mission. She provides direct support to students through counseling, advising, consultation, advocacy and the coordination of appropriate university accommodations, and works with staff throughout the university to ensure effective disability access and enhance educational opportunities. Ms. Fairbairn has been director of Binghamton University's Services for Students with Disabilities since April 1977. She earned her Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, from West Virginia University, and is a long-standing member of the international Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD). She was the first president of the State University of New York's SUNY Disability Services Council" and continues to be dynamically involved in its professional development and collaboration activities. She and the Director of Affirmative Action monitor university compliance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bethany Beecher - Learning Disabilities Specialist

Bethany Beecher photo

Ms. Beecher is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, in 2002, and her Master of Science Degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in August of 2004. During her Masters level training in Rehabilitation Counseling, Ms. Beecher focused much of her study on the educational needs of adults with disabilities. She comes to Binghamton University from her previous positions as graduate student intern, Technical Specialist, and Learning Disabilities Specialist at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Ms. Beecher is available to assist students with LD, ADD, Aspergers, or Traumatic Brain Injury in obtaining appropriate accommodations and disability-related support services, and adjusting their academic achievement strategies to maximize their university success.

Carol Hall - Assistant Director

Carol Hall photo Ms. Carol Hall is responsible for the management of all Academic Support Services provided through SSD. She coordinates the recruitment, appointment, and payroll of related personnel and works with student consumers in the supervision of those hired to assist them. She works along side the Director and Learning Disabilities Specialist in assisting students to problem-solve and in responding to their needs for assistance or advocacy. Her other responsibilities include budget, account and data management, the coordination of office assessment activities, and professional involvement in program development and strategic planning. Carol received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Binghamton University in 1977. She was awarded the University Service Recognition Award for 30 years of dedicated service on March 3, 2005.

Marlene S. Buza- General Receptionist and Secretary

Marlene S. Buza photo Marlene S. Buza joined Services for Students with Disabilities In March of 2003 as General Receptionist and Secretary. Her responsibilities include managing administrative tasks for the staff, coordinating meeting logistics and providing assistance to the students, staff and visitors.

Prior to joining Services for Students with Disabilities, Marlene worked for the Binghamton University Office of Financial Aid and Employment, Semiconductor Industry Suppliers Association, IBM Corporation, ABB Power Generation, and the U.S. State Department.

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For further information, please refer to the various pages within this site or contact the office at: Services for Students with Disabilities, Box 6000, Binghamton University Binghamton, NY 13902-6000
Phone: (607) 777-2686 (voice/TT) Fax: (607) 777-6893
Email: bjfairba@binghamton.edu

2/7/06