Lane Capps, a marketing sophomore, is one of four students to receive the 2019-20 Lois Ford LaBauve Scholarship, made possible by the DDCE’s Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Read on to learn more about her story and how she has taken full advantage of the university’s many free resources and services to make the most out of her undergraduate experience.
If you are interested in addressing your disability, could you please share a bit about you background?
Sure! I have ADHD and dyslexia. It’s been a constant struggle in my academics but, for the most part, with the right tutoring, I have been able to do well in school. I couldn’t read until about fourth grade and my attention span is pretty short. It’s nothing special; a lot of people are just like me. I was lucky to have been diagnosed young, so I learned how to get by before it negatively affected my education in the long term.
In your opinion, why is it important for UT to prioritize access and equity for students with disabilities?
I believe it is imperative to empower those with disabilities to thrive in their education. This will lead them to be successful in their communities and careers. Greater support and representation of people with disabilities is important. It reminds everyone that having a disability is a natural part of human diversity that does not define the induvial.
If you could give any advice to a new Longhorn with a disability, what would it be?
My best advice is to ask for help. UT has great resources that most students don’t take advantage of. For example, each student is allotted a certain amount of free tutoring each semester as well as mental health services. Faculty and staff are rooting for their students and will often go out of their way to help, if you just ask.
Because there are so many students here, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. However, your professors want to know you and help you. None of my professors have given me a difficult time for asking for accommodations or for help. I have even gone out to dinner with some of my professors!
Additionally, know that if you are a student here, you belong here. It is easy to feel intimidated by all the smart people in your classes, but you got in for a reason, and you are up for the challenge. Having a disability or not doesn’t limit your success here at UT.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to thank SSD for their help during my time here. Additionally, thank you to those who played a role in establishing and maintaining the Ford LaBauve Endowed Scholarship. Their work has made a great impact in many people’s education, including myself.
More about the Lois Ford LaBauve Scholarship
This scholarship is given in memory of Lois Ford La Bauve. Ms. La Bauve was a Texas school teacher for many years and always displayed a passion for learning. She was the director of Services for the Blind and Disabled at the Texas State Library and founded the Texas Talking Book program. At least one scholarship for a minimum of $500 will be awarded per year for students who have a disability that impairs their ability to access printed material. If funding is available, additional scholarships and/or scholarships of a larger monetary value will be awarded. Applications are reviewed during the spring semester. Scholarships are awarded in the fall semester.
