UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 13, Page 9                       
December 3, 1992                                       
Help wanted; Student volunteers play an important role on campus
                                                       
     I get by with a little help from my friends," goes the old
Beatles song. With a little help from campus volunteers, students with
disabilities are given a better chance to participate in the 
mainstream activities of college life, but more volunteers are
needed.                                                      
     Taking notes in class, doing research papers and getting through
exams are routine experiences for many students, but for those with
physical disabilities, such everyday activities can pose quite a
challenge.                                                   
     Helping students with disabilities accomplish these tasks and
complete their academic requirements is the goal of a student
volunteer program that has been in operation for about six years and
is coordinated through the Office of the Dean of Students.   
     Jane Moore, assistant dean of students, said only about 16
students are currently involved in the program. "This is low when 
compared to 32 volunteers in the spring semester of 1992, and 73
during the 1991-1992 academic year."                         
     "We are really in need of volunteers," Moore said. "The number of
volunteers is down, but the number of students seeking assistance is
growing."                                                    
     Volunteer activities often include note-taking, assisting with
library research assignments and helping with meals.         
     "The greatest need is for volunteers to help students with
disabilities write down answers during exams,"  Moore said. "The
exams, which are submitted by participating professors, are taken in
the Dean of Students Office in Hullihen Hall."               
     Several students who initially signed up for assistance are now
involved as volunteers, including Azeem Iqbal, a business education
major who is visually impaired.                              
     Iqbal is active in teaching other visually impaired students how
to use the Visual Assistance Center in Morris Library.       
     The center, situated next to the Interlibrary Loan Room, is
equipped with large monitors that provide screen magnification. Also
available is a book reader, which scans a book and presents it audibly
and visually.                                                
     Iqbal also helps other visually impaired students use personal
computing equipment and software.                            
     "Being visually impaired can make it harder to learn about
computers," Iqbal said. "I have more patience, because I have some of
the same problems as the other students."                    
     Iqbal, who takes his exams with his class, said that professors
usually provide visually impaired students with enlarged exam
materials and give them a little extra time to read the exams.
     The volunteer program has been a part of Iqbal's life since
arriving at the University four years ago.                   
     "I am a people person," said Iqbal. "I enjoy teaching and working
with others."                                                
     Students who wish to offer help or find out more information 
should call the Dean of Students Office at 831-2116.         
                                        -Jerry Rhodes