Disability is an example of cultural diversity. The overall goal of Changing the Culture (CTC) is to foster the development of an integrative, accepting, and facilitating environment for college students who have disabilities. Negative stigmatizing can be the most limiting feature of having a disability. Creating a community that is truly culturally competent will prevent negative stereotypes and remove future barriers for our citizens with disabilities.
Since 1999, Rhode Island College has actively participated in the Changing the Culture Initiative to identify and train Disability Resource Mentors (DRMs) within the RIC community. The DRMs serve as resources for their departments, offices, and school organizations to positively change the culture of understanding of disability-related issues on campus. Rhode Island College participates in a statewide network of colleges, led by the University of Rhode Island’s parent CTC grant team, to raise post-secondary communities’ awareness of and competency in effectively supporting the participation of students with disabilities in higher education.

The RIC CTC Training Team plans activities to promote continued growth in community knowledge, awareness, and positive attitudes regarding individuals with disabilities here in the college; and serve as resources to RIC Disability Resource Mentors. To join the RIC CTC Training Team, contact Ann Roccio or Betsy Dalton, Co-Coordinators.

Rhode Island College CTC Training Team:
Karen Castagno, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Health & Physical Education kcastagno@ric.edu
Elizabeth Dalton, M.Ed., Assistant Professor, Special Education & Assistive Technology Coordinator, Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities edalton@ric.edu
Julia Nesbitt, M.Ed., Counselor, Student Support Services jnesbitt@ric.edu
Ann Roccio, M.A., Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities aroccio@ric.edu
Elizabeth Rowell, Ph.D., Professor, Elementary Education erowell@ric.edu
Janet Park, Ed.D., Psychologist, Counseling Center jpark@ric.edu