Join our ACCESS: Campus Companions program!
The Campus Companions program is a program designed to offer additional support to SIUE members who may have mobility challenges or functional limitations that require additional assistance engaging the larger campus and its services. This program is available to anyone at SIUE who needs extra assistance moving around campus or carrying items such as backpacks, class projects, etc., as well as those willing to help!
The Campus Companions program pairs volunteer campus community members with students on campus who have disabilities to provide personal assistance navigating campus life. These services are designed to enhance accessibility and foster independence by offering support tailored to individual needs.
Services Include
- Navigation assistance: Guiding students with mobility impairments across campus to classes, appointments, or campus events.
- Item transport: Carrying books, backpacks, or other materials to and from campus locations.
- Light transportation: Offering help as students travel between campus buildings.
Who is eligible to use Campus Companions?
This program is available to anyone at SIUE who needs extra assistance moving around campus or carrying items such as backpacks, class projects, etc. This could include individuals with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities, from autism to anxiety, mobility challenges, visual impairments, etc.
How do I become a Campus Companion?
If you are interested in joining the SIUE Serves Community, we have an interactive group chat that individuals can use to request assistance on GroupMe. To join, scan the QR code below or visit tinyurl.com/SIUECC to sign up and become an ACCESS: Campus Companion today!
What do I do if I see someone needing a Campus Companion?
- All you need to do is simple: Ask if you can help. Be kind. Listen Closely. Show Respect.
- Do not question them about their disability. They do not have to disclose what it is.
- Do not judge or make assumptions about the person
- Talk to the person with the disability directly, even if they may be accompanied by a caretaker or an interpreter.
- Do not ignore them if they do not approach you first. They may have a visual impairment, be hard of hearing or do not have the confidence to approach you.
- If they have an assistance or service dog, discourage other customers, colleagues or friends from petting or intentionally distracting the dog as it is working.
- Again, be kind. Smile. Everyone is different, so be understanding of what the wearer is asking for.
- Talk and act as you typically would and be patient.
- Give them the choice and do not second guess what they might need.
- Do not leave them if they are having difficulty explaining what they need. Give them time to finish what they're trying to say. They may have a speech impediment.
- Stop what you are doing (if possible) and help them. Do not multi-task.
- Describe what you are doing to help them, they may be visually impaired.
- There is no single right way to handle every situation, but you can prioritize kindness and respect.
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