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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Pitt hosted its first-ever University for a Day on May 6. The half-day event showcased the University’s support services for disabled students to current Allegheny County high schoolers, including Kylie McGee.
The 16-year-old sophomore attends A.W. Beattie Career Center in the Northgate School District. For McGee, University for a Day was an opportunity to get a firsthand look at Pitt. She’s enrolled in her school’s health and nursing sciences program and views attending Pitt as a way to level up her skills.
“The nursing major is a great option,” she said, adding, “I’ve always wanted a way to help people.”
The program — led by Disability Resouces and Services in the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — included a campus tour, an information session featuring a student alum and an admissions presentation.
University for a Day was developed to dispel potential students’ apprehension about pursuing higher education, said disability specialist Jenny Seighman.
“Students, particularly with disabilities, may feel overwhelmed about the prospect of attending a large university, so we’re offering resources in advance to say, ‘This is doable, and here are the supports we have in place,’” she said.
— Nichole Faina, photography by Aimee Obidzinski
Did you know?
Disability Resources and Services partners with individuals with disabilities and the University community to provide equal access to employment, classes, programs and activities.
To learn more, attend drop-in meeting hours with a disability specialist in Office 140 in the William Pitt Union from 10-11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and 2-3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. You can also check out their website.