Journalist: Sydni Callaway (OSU)
On day two of session, a three-star delegate from the University of Oklahoma, Rep. Fallon Burleson (OU) presented her bill, OU-501, to the House of Representatives. Burleson’s bill mandates that all universities require that their staff and faculty receive proper training in relation to students with disabilities.
Upon presentation of her bill, she alluded to how OU has been accommodating to her. In reference to her personal experience, she describes how she wants to see a larger amount of investment in universities in the same way OU has for her and their accessibility program and resource center. “OU really does make an effort, although it isn’t perfect to make sure that students’ accommodations are properly followed and make sure that they are being processed in a timely manner,” said Burleson.
In the bill, Burleson addresses that there needs to be a minimum requirement of training among staff and faculty at universities. “It can be something that’s updated annually based on kind of what’s like coming out as far as how to best support students and their accommodations,” said Burleson in relation to annual training as recommended in the bill. “It’s especially helpful for faculty and staff members to have that training every year especially because a majority of employees that work with students at a university are not full-time tenured professors,” said Burleson. The annual training addressed in the bill is aimed more towards those staff members that are not full-time, but still work the most with students that have accommodations.
Burleson believes that her bill is a step toward making progress in accessibility in universities in Oklahoma. “I’m optimistic about my bill heading into the senate. I’m excited to see what the senators’ feedback is and to see if they have any more suggestions for penalties and just to see what happens,” said Burleson. Burleson’s bill passed with a vote of 32-25 in the House, and is now waiting to be heard in the Senate.