Elaine Higgason, LLCC Accessibility Services program assistant, can be found greeting students, parents, faculty and staff with a smile and saying, “How can I help?”  

“Meeting Elaine as a first-year student has made me feel comfortable and welcome. I look forward to developing new skills to have the best possible LLCC experience,” says Jacob Elliott.  

Higgason received the 2023 LLCC Distinguished Service Award and recognition for 20 years of service. “Elaine’s creative and inquisitive spirit provides the accessibility services office with strong guidance and support.  Elaine can look forward to possibilities, identify challenges and benefits, and provide suggestions that propel accessibility services forward,” said her nominator. 

“Organization is Elaine’s hallmark skill. She understands every aspect of accessibility services.” The accessibility services office at LLCC provides necessary accommodations for students with disabilities. As program assistant, Elaine collaborates with students and their families in scheduling appointments and provides education on available services to enable students to achieve their goals. But it’s much more than that to Higgason.  She is a guiding force within accessibility services for students and staff. “Accessibility services help level the playing field so they can succeed,” she explains. “Many of our students already have access to technology through Microsoft that will read text aloud and enlarge print if needed,” says Higgason.

But additionally, accessibility services works to build a service plan. Each plan varies based on the individual needs of a student. Available services include sign language interpreters, extended times for course work and testing, specialized tutoring, coordination with the testing center for private rooms and proctored exams.  

Higgason hires notetakers to provide detailed notes for fellow students to help them succeed in their classes. These students have reported that providing notes to another person who will benefit has greatly improved their own notetaking skills.  

LLCC Accessibility Services also provides a lounge area within the office where students can stop by for a break in between classes, to study or work on assignments.

“It allows them to focus on tasks in a space that feels safe,” she says.  “You get used to seeing the same students every day and enjoy getting to know them. Seeing them achieve a goal they have been working toward is the most rewarding part of working in accessibility services.”