Students with disabilities living in Nugent Hall this year get more than just the perks of living in one of the most user-friendly dormitories in the nation; because of the relocation of the Beckwith Residential Support Services program to the Ikenberry Commons, they now have the opportunity to integrate with the mainstream student population.

Beginning this semester, the Beckwith Residential Support Services program was moved from its original location at 2nd and John Streets to its new home on Gregory Drive. The new hall is a part of University housing and can accommodate students with the most severe disabilities.

Melissa Sage, senior in AHS, has lived in both locations and said living closer to other students has helped raise awareness about the Beckwith program.

“Because we’re with all other six dorms here, as opposed to 26 students [at the previous location], a lot of students weren’t aware of the Beckwith program,” Sage said. “Now that we’re here, we’re seen every day and people know what this program is now.”

Sage has cerebral palsy which affects both of her legs and her left arm. She had relied on her parents and family members to help care for her until she transferred to the University last year. Until then, Sage had never been away from home, and the shock-factor of going away to school was increased when she no longer had her long-time caregivers with her.

Through the Beckwith program, students who qualify can take advantage of special programming that includes the hiring of personal assistants to help care for the residents throughout the day. The PAs are either University or Parkland Community College students and work in one-hour shifts helping residents with their morning routines, showering, getting ready for bed and stretching.

Residents are advised to utilize no more than five hours per day of personal assistance services to help them gain independence. Sage said she typically uses three hours of PA services each day from several of her seven PAs.

The 17 students housed on the first floor of Nugent all have disabilities that necessitate the predominant use of a wheelchair, and the rooms are spacious enough to accommodate for these requirements. Sage has a suitemate, whom she shares a bathroom with, but has her own study and sleep space.

In this regard, the University has paved the way for other institutions to follow its lead: It is the number-one ranked university in the nation for the Division of Rehabilitation-Education Services and has demonstrated its commitment to making education accessible to those with disabilities.

Katie Hatton, a University Housing representative, said the additional fee for students participating in the Beckwith program is $600 more than regularly housing. This fee covers costs for special programming designed to help residents reach their ultimate goal — a higher degree of independence, but not the costs for the PAs.

Disability Specialist Paige Lewis, said there have already been many positive results of the new facility.

“There is no other residential housing facility in the country that we’re aware of that provides the [same] level of programming, physical space, resources and technology that this building does,” Lewis said. “Now we are welcomed into the housing community, which helps with diversity. There’s been a lot of education with multicultural advocates and [opportunities] to break down any barriers that may have been put up.”

Although nearly two-thirds of residents are from Illinois, Lewis said the University’s commitment of going above and beyond what is required by law has brought in students from all over. In choosing between the University and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Sage said Illinois’ facilities and programming was the deciding factor in her choice.

“Anybody considering college should definitely try to find a program like this one or obviously come here,” Sage said. “Even if you’re nervous. Because in the beginning it’s going to be bumpy, but you’ll be okay.”