Students/Faculty
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Trending news and stories in the disability community
Welcome back for the next installment of trending news and stories in the disability community. This edition features articles on the United States Deaf Women's National Team, advances in accessible travel and gaming, and much more.
If you come across a piece of media of any sort, from articles to movies and anything in between, please share with us at CEDHARS@uab.edu.
Sony Access Controller for PlayStation 5 | New MobilityOpens an external link.
This article discusses Sony's new accessibility initiative with the Access Controller for PlayStation 5. Designed for gamers with disabilities, it features customizable buttons, joysticks and touchpads, aiming to enhance inclusivity in gaming. The controller allows users to adapt its layout to their specific needs, enabling a more comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience. Sony collaborated with accessibility experts to ensure the device meets diverse user requirements, reflecting a significant step towards making gaming more accessible and accommodating for all players.
At a major aircraft expo last month, two big players in aviation each unveiled their own innovative wheelchair-securement solutions that could revolutionize flying for disabled passengers. The securement systems of both Delta Flight Products and Collins Aerospace let wheelchair users remain in their chairs while flying and require little modification to airline cabins. Read more about the new designs and how close they are to taking to the skies.
This feature story profiles the United States Deaf Women's National Team (USDWNT), highlighting its challenges and achievements in soccer. Composed of deaf and hard-of-hearing players, the team faces communication barriers on and off the field but excels through American Sign Language (ASL) and visual cues. Despite limited recognition compared to the U.S. Women's National Team, the USDWNT competes internationally, promoting inclusivity and demonstrating their skill at the Deaflympics and other tournaments. Their journey underscores the resilience and talent within the deaf soccer community.
This story from Shape highlights women who are pioneering adaptive fitness, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility in exercise. It features leaders like Tanya Habecker, who advocates for adaptive cycling, and Chelsey Anderson, who promotes yoga for all abilities. These women challenge stereotypes and expand opportunities for people with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of tailored workouts and community support. Their efforts aim to create a more inclusive fitness landscape that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals of all abilities to engage in physical activity.
In response to criticism over a social media post, a disability advocate in Charleston explains their intention was to highlight the daily challenges faced by disabled individuals. The post, which depicted a personal moment of frustration, aimed to raise awareness about accessibility issues. The advocate clarified that their intent was not to offend but to foster understanding and support for disability rights. They expressed regret over any misunderstanding and emphasized the importance of empathy and inclusivity in discussions about disability.
In her column, a disability advocate reflects on her evolving perspective regarding social media use. She discusses how platforms can amplify disability awareness but also contribute to misconceptions and stress. She highlights the pressure to present a perfect image of disability and the emotional toll of negative comments. The advocate contemplates stepping back from social media to prioritize mental health and authenticity, suggesting a need for balance in using these platforms effectively for disability advocacy.
This column features a journalist from Saskatchewan who advocates for better representation of disability in media. She emphasizes the importance of journalists with disabilities telling their own stories to combat stereotypes and misconceptions. The journalist discusses her experiences as a person with a disability navigating the media industry, noting the lack of diverse perspectives in coverage. She calls for increased visibility and authenticity in media portrayals of disability to promote understanding and inclusivity in society.
Advancing Disability Equality in Media: Seven Key Action Points | UNESCOOpens an external link.
This article outlines seven key action points to advance disability equality in media. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive representation, accurate portrayal and ensuring accessibility across all media platforms. The points include promoting disability-sensitive reporting, training journalists on disability issues and fostering partnerships with disability organizations. It calls for integrating disability perspectives into media policies and practices, encouraging the use of inclusive language and leveraging media's influence to challenge stereotypes and promote social inclusion. The aim is to empower persons with disabilities and promote their rights through improved media representation.
![Dr. Chris Ballmann](/shp/news/images/CEDHARS/ballmann-preview.jpg)
Collaborative environment fosters Dr. Ballmann’s melding of music and exercise
Dr. Chris Ballmann grew up a prolific multi-instrument musician, so it was no surprise he attended Auburn University to pursue a scholarship in music performance and participated in the AU Symphony Orchestra. The surprise, though, came when he decided to pivot after a single semester.
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David Morris Honored as UAB Distinguished Professor
The UAB Department of Physical Therapy Department Chair, David Morris, has been recognized by UAB as a Distinguished Professor. This is the highest rank a faculty member can achieve at UAB.
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Ozaydin wins Graduate Dean’s Excellence in Mentorship Award
Bunyamin Ozaydin, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Health Services Administration and scientist at the Heersink School of Medicine Informatics Institute, was selected as a winner of the 2024 Graduate Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentorship.
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Alanis Stansberry Schweitzer Fellowship delivers recipes for those with chronic illnesses
Alanis Stansberry, a student in our PhD in Nutrition Sciences program, developed recipes for individuals with common chronic illnesses utilizing foods available in Live HealthSmart Alabama's Mobile Market. The project was for her service as a 2023-24 Alabama Schweitzer Fellow.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/Tasha-Brooks-News.png)
Natasha Brooks: Advocacy for Positive Change
Third year Physical Therapy student, Natasha Brooks, has always had an interest in PT advocacy. In anticipation of Capitol Hill Day 2024, we asked Brooks a few questions about her Capitol Hill Day Student Scholarship.
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Krystle Glasgow: Advocating for Nuclear Medicine
Krystle W. Glasgow, MIS, CNMT, NMTCB(CT), NMAA, FSNMMI-TS, clinical coordinator in our M.S. in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Sciences program, is being recognized for continuing to excel in a growing and evolving profession while standing and fighting for all things nuclear medicine. Much of her motivation comes from a drive to help her students succeed.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/AAFA-Gilford-Dickson-Clayton-News.png)
Dickson-Clayton and Gilford each receive an AAFA First Award
Jewell J. Dickson-Clayton, OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA, and M. Tosi Gilford, MD, PA-C, each received a First Award from the UAB African American Faculty Association (AAFA) at an event on February 22, 2024.
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UAB Nutrition Experts Launch Podcast that Explores Weight Loss with Science and Humor
University of Alabama at Birmingham professors James Hill, Ph.D., and Holly Wyatt, M.D., have launched a new podcast that explores the complexities of weight loss with science, humor and real-life experiences.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Programs/NS-2023-Chairs-Report-News.jpg)
2023 Department of Nutrition Sciences Chair's Report
The Department of Nutrition Sciences’ 2023 Chair’s Report highlights the accomplishments of the faculty, staff, alumni and students who deliver excellence in nutrition and lifestyle research and education.
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Health Equity Leadership Academy students visit EJI Legacy Museum
Undergraduate students from the UAB HSA Health Equity Leadership Academy embarked on a transformative journey when they visited the renowned Equal Justice Institute’s Legacy Museum to delve into the profound intersections of racial injustice, civil rights, and health disparities in American History.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/Lizzy-Davis-News.png)
Lizzy Davis Honored with 2024 Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award
Lizzy Davis, assistant professor and director of the UAB School of Health Professions Dietetic Education Program (DEP), is a winner of the 2024 Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award from the Nutrition and Dietetic Educators and Preceptors.
Read moreBMD Student Wins 2023 SAHPD Student Leadership in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Award
Salma Santiago, a senior in the UAB B.S. in Biomedical Sciences program was selected as the winner of the 2023 SAHPD Student Leadership in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Award from the Southern Association of Health Professions Deans at Academic Health Centers.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/barbara-gower-2023-news.png)
Gower named chair of Department of Nutrition Sciences
Barbara Gower, Ph.D., an internationally renowned scientist and director of the UAB Metabolism Core Laboratory, has been named chair of the Department of Nutrition Sciences following a nationwide search.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/Zuniga_News.jpg)
Health Care Management Student Named CUSA Women’s Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year
Asha Zuniga, UAB women’s soccer player and team captain – and a senior in the B.S. in Health Care Management program, was named Conference USA (C-USA) 2023 Women’s Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year. Students chosen for this award excel on and off the field, demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, and provide service in their community.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/Eta-with-Jane-NEWS.png)
Mourning the passing of University Professor Eta Berner
The Department of Health Services Administration mourns the recent passing of Eta S. Berner, Ed.D., University Professor Emeritus, who taught in the M.S. in Health Informatics program and served as director of UAB Center for Health Informatics for Patient Safety/Quality (CHIPS-Q).
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Alumni/OT-PT-Hospital-Sim-News.jpeg)
OT and PT hospital simulation delivers lessons and confidence
The second annual UAB PT/OT Outside Hospital Simulation saw 240 students from the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy programs learning first-hand what it means to walk into an acute care hospital setting.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/Jewell-Dickson-Clayton-News.png)
Jewell Dickson-Clayton named OTD Entry-Level Program Director
Jewell Dickson-Clayton OTD, MPH, OTR/L, ATP, FAOTA has been named program director of the Entry-Level Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD). Dickson-Clayton becomes the first person of color to be program director for UAB OT.
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/Jie-Gao-News.jpg)
Gao awarded grant to study urban park impact on low-income seniors
Jenny Gao, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP)CM, assistant professor in the M.S. in Medical Laboratory Science program, was awarded a $30,000 research grant from the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) for her research, “Effects of a park visitation program for low-income seniors.”
Read more![](/shp/news/images/NEWS/Faculty-Students/Scholarships-Awarded-News.png)
2023 Blazer Forever Scholarship Recipients
Five students have been awarded a UAB School of Health Professions Blazer Forever Scholarship. The award is given to SHP students during Homecoming Week based on an essay answer. This year, we asked students to talk about the ways classroom collaborations and/or team-based learning has made them stronger teammates.
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