Hello, I'm Frances Middleton, and this is a dynamic page (in other words, it's usually 'under construction'). A former associate cajoled me into starting this page, but she's since moved to GREENER pastures: California!
Education and Philosophy
After 30 years and a great deal of encouragement and support from my parents, Andy Covington (dear friend), and patient teachers, I received my Bachelor of Arts (Art major, English minor) here at UALR!! Some people still find it hard to believe...
In both my educational and professional ethic, a belief in the adaptability of life is fundamental. The following quote, and the book, from which it is taken, express this idea best:
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects."
Robert Heinlein, Science Fiction Author (in Time Enough For Love)
Professional Information
Currently, I am Coordinator for Adaptive Technology and manager of the Student Technology Services/IT Services ADA lab. The ADA lab is located in the Ottenheimer Library, Room 104A. Please e-mail me to make appointments, reserve a machine or request a demonstration of the technology available in the lab.
I was the first Helpdesk manager, a position that required legislative approval, since UALR lacked a helpdesk. As liaison between administration and academics, I conduct seminars and training in the adaptive technology and its interfaces with UALR systems.
I drove to Washington, DC to attend a conference conducted by California State University at Northridge's Center on Disabilities which was preceded by 52 hours of on-line training.
Upon completion of the course and conference, I received ATACP certification. This course is a 'Must Do' for all assistive technology practitioners. In addition to the excellent discussions of relevant issues in adaptive technology, the real and personal connections established in our group have been invaluable. CSUN offers several training and certification programs and also co-sponsors an annual an international conference in San Diego. Participants can access information for this year's conference at this web site: http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/index.htm.
The 2011 Conference Keynote Speakers are: Paul Schafer, Information Technology (IT) Specialist and Assistant Section 508 Coordinator at the U.S.
Department of State;
We encourage students with disabilities to register with Disabilty Support Services and investigate the Department of CARE (Department of Counseling, Adult and Rehabilitation Education).
Previous speakers include: Captain Ivan Castro, one of three blind officers serving as active-duty Army and the only blind officer serving in the US Army Special Forces; John Kemp, well-known and respected advocate in the national disability civil rights movement, Vinton G. Cerf, "one of the Fathers of the Internet", Ray Kurzweil, John Hockenberry, author of "Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs, and Declarations of Independence", Tom Whitaker, the first person with a disability to climb Mt. Everest and Ted Kennedy, Jr.
"...The form of water is to avoid the high and go to the low...the flow of water is determined by the earth...water has no constant shape...changing and adapting accordingly...." Sun Tzu