September 2025 SSD Student Newsletter

Haylee plays a key leadership role in the housing process by ensuring decisions are accurate and agreed upon. She keeps the process organized by scheduling meetings, sending timely notifications, and communicating outcomes with the housing office. Through her thoughtful oversight, she addresses concerns gracefully, keeps the team focused, and enhances the overall experience with her valuable feedback and strong leadership.

More about Haylee

Features

Welcome Sarah Hardin

Sarah is an Access Specialist for SSD. She meets individually with students with disabilities who are interested in connecting with SSD and assists them to determine eligibility for receiving appropriate accommodations.

Sarah supports students in the Colleges of Engineering, Pamplin, and Architecture.

Welcome Amanda Johnson

Amanda is an Access Specialist for SSD. She meets individually with students with disabilities who are interested in connecting with SSD and assists them to determine eligibility for receiving appropriate accommodations.

Amanda supports students in the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Natural Resources and Environment.

Register for the Excellence in Access and Inclusion Awards

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) annually hosts the Excellence in Access & Inclusion Awards reception to recognize faculty, staff, students, teams, and departments for contributing to an inclusive and accessible environment at Virginia Tech. The theme this year is Digital Accessibility.

A light reception will be provided.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

4 pm - 6 pm

Graduate Life Center Multipurpose Room

Keynote Speakers:

Ashley Shew, Professor in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society

Mark Nichols, Senior Director of Universal Design and Accessible Technologies

RSVP Here

Campus Resources

Student Success Center Academic Coaching-Did you know the Student Success Center offers Professional and Peer Academic Coaching? Do you struggle with executive function issues? Professional Coaches and Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) are trained to help students develop their academic skills and performance through individual coaching appointments and group presentations for the Seminar Series on Academic Success. Schedule today on Navigate and select "Additional Support Services."

The Embodied Brain Lab, VTDITC: Hip Hop Studies, and Alpha Theta Corporation -Study for individuals with ADHD compension provided of up to $100 and a chance to win AlphaTheta headphones. Contact Dr. Julia C. Basso at embodiedbrainlab@gmail.com for more information.

Outreach and Engagement

Drop In Office Hours -Offered Wednesdays 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in the SSD office 310 Lavery Hall 3rd floor. Zoom available.

The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) is a recruitment program that connects federal employers with college students, graduate students, and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs. Registration closes October 10th. For more information or questions about WRP, please contact Haylee Simpkins (haylee@vt.edu) or our CPD liaison, Melinda Mallory (melindamalloy@vt.edu).

The Buzz's Bunch Scholarship-Brent “Buzz” Williams, Virginia Tech Basketball Coach 2014-2019, established this scholarship for undergraduates in any field of study who are connected with Services for Students with Disabilities.