A Variety of People, a Variety of Needs
Part of living our UU values is recognizing the differing needs of one another. If you did not include information about special needs on the registration form or if you have questions or concerns, please get in touch with our SUUSI Accessibility Liaisons at deia@suusi.org You can also stop by the Accessibility table in Registration.
Accessibili-Buddies: Helpers and Patrons
Would you like to get to know someone by having an opportunity to be helpful? Are you someone who could use some help carrying a tray in the dining hall, have a friendly face to help with getting moved into or around your room, or perhaps just a calm presence to help you navigate unfamiliar programming spaces?
Join the Accessibili-Buddies Program at SUUSI! In registration in SOLIS you may:
- Request to be matched up with a helper for specific needs or tasks
- Volunteer to be matched up to help someone with a specific need or task
The only requirements are access to a smart phone or other device for contacting your buddy after being matched, and a heart that is open to this fun opportunity! Questions or concerns? Contact deia@suusi.org
Accessibili-Buddies: SpN Squad
Do you know what it is like to feel left out or left behind? Do you know someone who can do whatever they set their mind to do but may just need some modifications? Do you like working with kids or teens? Join the Accessibili-Buddy SpN Squad and help us put the best spin on activities for all our youth, middler, and teen members with special needs! We are looking for people to keep their eyes and ears open for potentially frustrating situations (too hot, too noisy, something out of reach, something too difficult) that could be extra challenging or awkward for some youth, middlers, or teens and may require some accommodations to help those kiddos succeed and have fun. Volunteers will be assigned to an age group during morning or afternoon programming. A standard background check will be required and training will be provided. Experience with special needs youth through teens is a plus. Please mark SpN Squad under Volunteer Jobs in registration in SOLIS to be a part of this rewarding and fun opportunity! For more information please contact deia@suusi.org
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
We are very excited to get to know the competent and caring staff in the Radford dining hall!
- Food Allergy and Sensitivity Meet-up: Check back here for dates and times to attend this helpful and informative session. This is the time to ask questions and learn about options. Get to know your dining services staff so it will be easier for them to to help you out!
- Food Options: Please be sure to complete any dietary restrictions you may have under Special Needs in registration in SOLIS. Although guarantees can not be made the dining staff will be working with SUUSI to provide options that are both safe and enjoyable for everyone! Dining hall staff are usually happy to check on ingredients for you; please be aware that requests made during peak meal times may require some patience before busy staffers are available to check for you. Be sure to attend the meet listed above to ask about specific needs.
Mobility Scooters
Looking for a lower-cost option, and able to pick up and drop off your scooter? Mobility Plus in Salem (about 40 miles north of Radford) rents scooters by the week. Contact Scott Highberger at mplusva@gmail.com or www.mobilityplus.net for more information. Mobility Plus is located at 763 Union St, Salem, VA 24153. They may also be reached by phone: 540-389-3400 or 800-448-8434. Contact deia@suusi.org if you choose this option - if we have multiple people renting we may be able to coordinate delivery.
The New River Valley Disability Resource Center also has a wealth of information and is located near the Radford campus. Go to [https://www.nrvdrc.org/](
Sensitivity to Noise, People, and Other Stimuli
Love SUUSI but easily overwhelmed? We hear you!
- Quiet Zones: Meditation spaces, recovery spaces, and low stimuli spaces may be available around the campus. Check back here for more details as we get closer to our event. An Accessibility Map with places like this noted will be available at the DEIA table at registration.
Finding Your Tribe
Check the SUUSI Catalog for affinity group meet-ups such as those for neurodiverse and other special needs families, seniors, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC. Whether you have questions, concerns, or answers to share, meet other SUUSI participants with similar life experiences. We will have some activities available to start things off easy. More information can be found on our DEI page.
Moving at Your Own Pace
Appreciating the liveliness of those around you but need to move at your own speed?
- Housing and Programming Spaces: As an updated university campus, Radford University provides us with buildings, walkways, and rooms that are accessible for those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. We try to ensure that SUUSI activities are held in accessible spaces if at all possible. The number of ADA-compliant accessible dorm rooms is limited, so please be sure to note your specific needs for such a room when you register. We will do our best to assign you to a room that meets your needs.
- Star Car: SUUSI provides limited on-campus transportation via our Star Cars (golf carts), and we work hard to accommodate people with physical challenges. We encourage people who need them to book Star Car rides in advance—at registration or at the SUUSI office throughout the week. Additionally, an Accessibility Map with the locations of wheelchair-accessible entrances will be available at registration.
- Nature Programs: Our Nature staff strives to create a variety of trips that will appeal to a variety of people. Accommodations are often available upon request, so please be sure to ask ahead of time so that plans can be made to include as many as possible. You can also email deia@suusi.org.
- On-campus Assistance: Upon request an Accessibility Buddy would love to help you carry a tray in the dining hall, help you carry items on campus, or other small requests. This program is a new addition to SUUSI and will be available on a first come first serve basis, so please get your requests in early. Requests for assistance may be made under Special Needs in registration in SOLIS or at deia@suusi.org
- More area resources: The New River Valley Disability Resource Center also has a wealth of information and is located near the Radford campus. Go to https://www.nrvdrc.org/ and click on Resources to learn more.
Food allergies or restrictions? Overwhelmed by dining hall crowds? Join SUUSI DEI-A staff members to discuss or discover your options! Get acquainted with the dining hall layout and learn more about the Accessibility QuickQueue. We will discuss options for addressing your questions and concerns at the start of the week as well as throughout our time with our wonderful Radford hosts. Favorite Fidgets! This meet and greet for families of all ages with sensory challenges and special needs are invited to create handmade fidgets to keep or to donate to our SUUSI Little Fidget Library baskets. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted or reacquainted with SUUSI friends. Share tips for making SUUSI a wonderful experience and enjoy a cold treat. A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a welcoming space for ages 60+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! BIPOC SUUSI-goers are invited to come together for fun and fellowship. OASUUS is an intentional community meant for Black, Indigenous, & other People of Color. Lounge for BIPOC members of the SUUSI Community LGBTQ+ of all ages are invited to play games and mingle! A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ ages 60+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! Welcome to Radford, or welcome back! Access to several buildings may be confusing or challenging. Join us as we review routes for wheelchairs, walkers, lower stim environments, and other accommodations to help you feel more welcome. If you are a newcomer [or if you've been to Radford before, but would like to get reacquainted], please join us for a campus tour led by our very own SUUSI Board members and DEIA staff. We will hit the main attractions as well as try to answer any questions if folks have them. We will meet outside the red clocks in front of Heth. Welcome home!