Educational Accessibility & Disability Resources Center Renovated

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Posted on May 26, 2022

Joy Washington

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The Division of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama has dedicated a newly renovated space for the Center for Educational Accessibility and Disability Resources. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house were held for students, faculty, staff and administrators.

The space now offers resources and support to more than 600 students for their studies of coursework while attending South. They will now have several rooms where they can have a quiet atmosphere to take the time they need for testing. The 5, 400 square foot facility also has a reception area, break room, and conference room for training and presentations, along with more than 20 office spaces, technology rooms and restrooms.

“This is an exciting day to showcase this newly renovated facility, which was thoughtfully designed for our students,” said Assistant Vice President for the Division of Academic Affairs Dr. Krista Harrell. “We wanted them to have a space that’s more conducive for their academic success. And, we thank Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Mike Mitchell and former CEADR Director Dr. Laventrice Ridgeway for their vision. This has been a long-time in the making. All of our students have different needs, and this space will be the place that our students can come to and get the support and resources they need to study and graduate from South Alabama.”

Students with disabilities face many obstacles and having all the resources and services in one location on campus is South’s way of making this a much better academic experience for the students.

“This is a monumental day!” said Mario Sheats, director of the Center for Educational Accessibility and Disability Resources. “Accessibility is important, and we are providing new opportunities to support our students with disabilities. This newly renovated space demonstrates the commitment as a university to greater diversity, equity and inclusion. Today is a proud moment for all Jaguars.”

Ph.D. Graduate Assistant Jessica Hultquist said the new space allows for exciting possibilities.

“We all bring value through our creative collaborations, and we want to empower our students to use the tools and resources we have to be successful on their academic journey,” she said. “As faculty, staff and students, let’s think bigger and shine brighter and work together to create something special in this new space.”

Michael Evers, an alumnus of South Alabama’s College of Education and Professional Studies and a member of the Mobile Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind shared the importance of the center’s acronym, CEADR, to students with disabilities.

“A Cedar tree is tall, majestic and fragrant, which our center is named,” he said. “We are a place that is fragrant, full of strength and healing with empowering properties that will enable Jaguars today and, in the future, to achieve great success.”

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