Dr. Sharon Gahnz Scholarship Honoring Tyler Joe

Application Form

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Deadline: September 28, 2012

This is a $500 scholarship awarded in the spring semester to a student with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability, either dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia.
(A primary diagnosis of ADHD does not qualify for this scholarship. The student who is diagnosed with LD and ADHD does qualify.) The GPA used is from the previous semester, and the scholarship amount will be applied to the tuition account the following semester.

Purpose: To recognize and reward the academic achievement, hard work, and commitment of students who are managing their Learning Disability.

Eligibility:Undergraduate students at UWSP with a primary diagnosis of Learning Disability and a high GPA. The semester previous to application must be a 3.0 or higher. Participation in extra-curricular activities, community service or employment may enhance application.

Selection:Please submit a completed application form, documentation verifying diagnosis, college transcript/s, and letters of support.

  • Applications are available from Disability Services Room 609 in the Learning Resource Center. Completed applications may be submitted electronically or directly to Disability Services.
  • The student must submit the documentation from the professional (psychologist, or M Team report) that diagnosed the Learning Disability. A copy from Disability Services can be obtained and forwarded with the application.
  • The student must submit an official grade report to show grade progression over the time of enrollment as a college student.
  • Request two letters of support: One from a UWSP faculty member who has taught a course taken by the student and one from a UWSP faculty or staff member of the students choosing. Letters of support should address how the student has managed their “Learning Disability” in the classroom and/or at the University.

Submit applications to Disability Services, Room 609 Learning Resource Center,on or before the due date.

Dr. Sharon Gahnz Scholarship Honoring Tyler Joe (Please type)

Name______

Local Address______

______Telephone______

Home Address______

______Telephone______

Student ID #______Social Security #______

Birth Date______Age______

University Status______Credits Taken______

Major(s)______

Minor(s)______

Overall GPA______GPA in Major______GPA last semester______

Please describe your Learning Disability?

How did you learn about study skills?

How have teachers helped?

What role did your parents play in your academic studies?

What study strategies have you found to be the most helpful for you?

What test taking techniques have you found to be the most helpful?

What technologies do you use?

What is the greatest obstacle you have had to overcome relative to your Learning Disability?

What advice would you give to other students who have a Learning Disability?

What is your major and why did you choose it?

What do you imagine will be the most difficult thing you will have to overcome relative to your learning problem after you graduate from UW-SP?

Please list extracurricular activities and dates of involvement.

Please describe any other relevant information you would like us to consider. (Please attach pages if needed.)

Background:

Tyler Joe Senner was killed in an automobile accident on January 3, 1995.Tyler had been a student at UWSP and was enrolled at UW Stout in the hotel management program at the time of the accident. He struggled with the reading and spelling difficulties of a Learning Disability all his life, and his first GPA over a 3.0 had just been earned the previous semester. He died before he received his grade report. This scholarship will benefit other students who are managing the difficulties of a Learning Disability.

Tyler’s mother, Dr. Sharon Gahnz, is Emeritus Director of the CounselingCenter at UWSP, and his stepfather, Dixon Gahnz, is retired from Domtar (formerly Georgia Pacific). His brother, Talin Senner, is a graduate of UWSP and is a technology analyst.

Learning Disabilities Described

Learning Disabilities: Signs, Symptoms and Strategies

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language. The disability may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations.

Every individual with a learning disability is unique and shows a different combination and degree of difficulties. A common characteristic among people with learning disabilities is uneven areas of ability, “a weakness within a sea of strengths.” For instance, a child with dyslexia who struggles with reading, writing and spelling may be very capable in math and science.

Learning disabilities should not be confused with learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps; of mental retardation; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural or economic disadvantages.

Generally speaking, people with learning disabilities are of average or above average intelligence. There often appears to be a gap between the individual’s potential and actual achievement. This is why learning disabilities are referred to as “hidden disabilities:” the person looks perfectly “normal” and seems to be a very bright and intelligent person, yet may be unable to demonstrate the skill level expected from someone of a similar age.

A learning disability cannot be cured or fixed; it is a lifelong challenge. However, with appropriate support and intervention, people with learning disabilities can achieve success in school, at work, in relationships, and in the community.

In Federal law, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the term is “specific learning disability,” one of 13 categories of disability under that law.

“Learning Disabilities” is an “umbrella” term describing a number of other, more specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. ADHD is not considered to be a learning disability. It can be determined to be a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), making a student eligible to receive special education services. However, ADHD falls under the category “Other Health Impaired” and not under “Specific Learning Disabilities.”

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who has one of the following Learning Disabilities:

Dyslexia
A language and reading disability

Dyscalculia
Problems with arithmetic and math concepts

Dysgraphia
A writing disorder resulting in illegibility

Dr. Sharon Gahnz Scholarship Honoring Tyler Joe Letters of Support Instruction

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Deadline: September 28, 2012

Candidates for this scholarship are to request two letters of support: One from a UWSP faculty member who has taught a course taken by the student and one from a UWSP faculty or staff member of the students choosing. Letters of support should address how the student has managed their “Learning Disability” in the classroom and/or at the University.