Students with disabilities have the right to further their education

Raul Ramirez is one of many students with a disability attending Fresno State.

Ramirez, a senior and a Media, Communications and Journalism major, has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, Bethel Myopathy. Ramirez’s disability is physiological but disabilities can be cognitive as well.

“If you’re in a wheelchair, it’s hard navigating places,” said Ramirez.

The Students with Disabilities Center is a resource any student with a disability can use. It offers learning tools, special rooms for testing, extended time for test taking, note-taking assistance, and text-to-speech software.

It is located on the main floor of the library in Suite 1202.

“The US Department of Education says 19%, maybe even 21% of students, undergrad students say that they have a disability,” said Jennie Johnson, director of Services for Students with Disabilities. “We serve close to 1000 students here on campus.”

Johnson says that only makes up 3-4% of the student body and encourages students to take advantage of free resources when they can.

Ramirez has used the Students with Disabilities Center (SSD) for extra test-taking time but admits he could use it more often. Ramirez hopes he can inspire younger students that a disability is just another part of life that must and can be overcome.

“Just for anybody that wants to, like I said, pursue their dreams. Don’t let a disability hold you back,” said Ramirez. “You don’t have to live up to anybody else’s expectations. It’s your life.”

To schedule an appointment with SSD, visit your SSDPortal online or call the office at 559-278-2811.