Students have worked together to form a support group for students with disabilities called the Disability Ally & Advocacy Association.

The group’s purpose is to help students and provide a support system to people with disabilities. Group members also hope to help faculty and staff learn how to better serve students with disabilities.

A lot of work has been put into place with creating a constitution, said graduate counseling student Danielle Keys, who organized the group.

Now, the group is seeking Student Association recognition.

“We are hoping to provide emotional support and make people feel more included,” said Alexander Fireman, graduate rehabilitation counseling student. “We want to help students be more aware of students with disabilities and help train professors to be aware.”

This group also hopes to work with organizations around campus to meet new people, said senior theater major Natalie Battles.

“Students need this group,” said junior psychology major Michelle Annarino. “I want awareness to get around and see more faculty around NIU be aware.”

There is no set time or place for meetings, but fliers will be posted around campus and students can view the group’s Facebook page for updates on the time and place of meetings. The link is facebook.com/groups/niudasg/?ref=br_tf.

“I want the group to become a recognized group on campus,” Fireman said. “I want to get students more involved and educate people about the concerns people with disabilities have.”

This resource provides a connection for students and helps them to get to know other people.

“I want to help people, even if it’s just one person,” Annarino said. “People need to look across the exterior to approach others as a person and not be scared and instead be more welcoming.”

The group plans to go to high schools to talk with students with disabilities to enhance their awareness of having support in college and in the workplace.

“This group is overdue. It should have been created a long time ago,” Battles said. “We need to come together and work together to encourage others to be who they are.”