Andersen Takes on Lane County Accessibility Leadership Role

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University accessibility coordinator and instructional designer Melissa “Missy” Andersen is extending her work supporting individuals with disabilities beyond campus through a new community leadership role with the Lane Council of Governments.

Andersen was recently elected chair of the Disability Services Advisory Council, which advises the Lane Council of Governments on services provided to individuals with disabilities throughout Lane County.

The council meets six times each year and also participates in six joint meetings with the Senior Services Advisory Council. Members may also serve on committees that review programs and services available to seniors and individuals with disabilities in the region.

For Andersen, the opportunity provides a natural extension of the advocacy work she already does at Bushnell.

“My favorite part about being a member of the Disability Services Advisory Council is that I get the opportunity to extend my advocacy for students with disabilities beyond Bushnell into our local community,” Andersen said. “My role at Bushnell has given me experience working with the applicable laws and policies that apply to individuals with disabilities.”

Andersen joined the council last spring after her supervisor, Sarah Slater, director of academic support and online learning, learned it was seeking new members and encouraged her to apply. When the chair position later became available, Andersen volunteered and was elected by the council in September.

As chair, Andersen will work with Lane Council of Governments staff to develop meeting agendas and facilitate council meetings. She said she was motivated to take on the role by the opportunity to step in and serve where there was a need.

“I enjoy taking on new things and continually learning,” Andersen said. “This role will give me the chance to continue to grow as a professional and an advocate for individuals with disabilities.”

Her experience at Bushnell has helped prepare her for that work. In addition to navigating accessibility laws and policies, Andersen works with students and others on campus to identify barriers and strengthen access across the university community.

“More importantly, my role at Bushnell has given me the chance to learn from individuals with disabilities on our campus and identify ways we can create access within our own campus community,” she said.

Andersen said the relationship between her work at Bushnell and her service with the council benefits both communities. Through the council, she has learned more about resources available to individuals with disabilities throughout Lane County and has been able to share information about those resources with students.

“This role is an exciting opportunity for me because I get to use my strengths to serve Lane County in a unique way,” Andersen said. “I have always felt called to serve others where there is a need by using the gifts God has given me.”

She added that her work at Bushnell has equipped her to contribute to the council, while her involvement with the council has strengthened the support she can provide on campus.

“It is neat to see how my role at Bushnell has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to serve members of our local community through this council,” Andersen said. “At the same time, my role on the Disability Services Advisory Council has better equipped me to support our students.”