Q&A with Liz Burd ’09, GS ‘15: Furthering accessible education at Bethel

Tell us about your educational background.

I am a two-time Bethel graduate, holding a communication degree for my undergraduate studies and an MBA. I decided to come to Bethel after attending a Vespers service in the spring of my senior year of high school. I loved my time at Bethel as a student! I was involved in the Bethel Student Government, sang on a Vespers worship team, and worked in admissions.

After graduation, I served as an AmeriCorps member with College Possible, helping students from economically disadvantaged communities navigate the college admission process. Later, I returned to Bethel to work in undergraduate admissions. I have always had a heart for serving individuals with disabilities, influenced by my upbringing—my dad was a special education teacher, and my family provided respite care for children with disabilities. During my time in admissions, I helped develop the recruitment process for Bethel's BUILD program, a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) program for students with intellectual disabilities.

Tell us about your current role.

In 2019, I moved over to the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) as the director. I am abundantly grateful to serve students with disabilities and assist Bethel in the ongoing pursuit of being an accessible university that sees disability as part of the diversity of the kingdom of God.

What do you love about your job, specifically? What motivates you every day in your role?

I am inspired daily by the students we support at Bethel. Witnessing their growth and seeing them navigate new challenges with confidence is incredibly rewarding. At OARS, we collaborate closely with students to tailor support services that empower them to thrive academically and socially. Bethel's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility resonates deeply with me—it’s a place where disability is embraced as part of our diverse community, reflecting the kingdom of God.

Can you tell us about the philosophy behind OARS?

At the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS), our mission is all about creating an inclusive university environment. We're dedicated to developing accessibility, celebrating diversity, and ensuring that students with disabilities have every opportunity to thrive in our university and its programs.

Our team at OARS consists of four women, all of us are moms. We're deeply committed to praying for Bethel students and treating them like we would our own children. Our goal is not just to offer support but also to empower students to advocate for themselves and enhance their communication skills.

Why might a student visit the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services?

OARS serves students across all schools who have documented disabilities, ensuring they receive equitable access to educational opportunities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an individual with a disability as "a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Many of the students we support had an IEP or 504 plan in high school. To register with OARS, students submit documentation from a medical provider with a diagnosis of their disability. Students registered with OARS may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodations should not fundamentally alter courses, programs, or activities. Decisions regarding whether an accommodation is appropriate require an individualized, interactive process and an understanding of the context.

Are there any resources that you’ve found students sometimes aren’t aware of?

Bethel received a grant from West Pharmaceuticals that has provided funding to purchase assistive technology for campus-wide access to Google Read&Write. Google Read&Write is available to anyone with a bethel.edu email address. This tool supports everyday literacy tasks—from reading emails aloud to text prediction and grammar checking—making tasks simpler and more accurate.

Learn more about the features and how to download Google Read&Write.

What sets Bethel apart from other institutions when it comes to accessibility?

At Bethel, accessibility extends beyond compliance with legal standards like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We strive to cultivate an environment where all members, regardless of ability, can fully participate and thrive. This commitment reflects our holistic approach to education and community life.

Can you tell us about the Disability Awareness Group?

Bethel’s Disability Awareness Group (DAG) is led by students to promote awareness, challenge stereotypes, and foster an inclusive community. Their initiatives create opportunities for dialogue and education, contributing significantly to Bethel’s culture of acceptance and support. Students can join and become a member of the DAG. Simply email the office and you'll be added to the email list!

What should parents of Bethel students know about OARS?

At OARS, we believe in collaboration with parents, faculty, and staff to effectively support students. While students drive the accommodations process, we encourage parents to stay informed and involved. Open communication ensures a smooth transition to college life and sets students up for success!

Explore how Bethel will provide support to help you meet your goals.

The mission of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS) is to pursue ongoing development that provides an accessible university. It embraces and celebrates diversity, and ensures those with a disability have equal access and opportunity to the university and its programs.

Learn more