As mentioned in an email sent from the Disability Support Services (DSS) office, they have just hired Kari Santos and Patricia (Trisha) Harden. 

Kari Santos started at the DSS office on Oct. 1, following a hiring process that began in May. Santos provides advising, counseling, intake, and other support to students. 

She emphasized the importance of consistent engagement with students. 

“We don’t want anybody to disappear between the gaps. We want to make sure we see people regularly and that they’re doing well in their classes, as well as in their home life. Because that’s a really big part…if you don’t have a solid base or a solid foundation, it’s really hard to focus on academics,” Santos said.  

The main thing that Santos said she would like students to know is that what you disclose to the DSS office is protected by HIPAA, and your information will not be shared with anyone unless you’ve signed a release. 

Santos grew up in Rochester, Minn. She loves reading, being outdoors, playing video games, hanging out with friends, and making connections with students. She has also been learning to crochet and knows how to knit. 

Santos earned her bachelor’s degree in recreation and tourism from Winona State University. She has experience working at a zoo and eagle rescue from 2010 to 2012 (during which she got to give a penguin a bath), worked at Iowa University whilst getting her master’s degree in recreational therapy, and has worked at Knox College for over two years in a dual role in the library and Dean’s office. 

“A lot of people also think that this is their first time in college, their first time away from home, and they’re like, ‘Oh, I can do it all myself.’ Which is great. We love that attitude, but it’s also okay to ask for support, and it can be really difficult for people to ask for help. And so that’s one of the biggest things, too, is being like, yes, we love you. Try, go out and try, but also don’t hesitate to come to us,” Santos said.

She enjoys how close and personal Knox College is. 

“Here at Knox, you know their [students’] stories, you know their classes, you know who their friends are. That level of personality and that level of knowing is really nice,” Santos said.

Santos stated that she has multiple disabilities, grew up around people with disabilities, and worked within recreational therapy. All of these experiences have helped shape her passion for working with people with disabilities. 

“I’m just a really open person and love to listen, and I’m always here to listen and support. What I want people to know is truly my door is open. So please know that there’s flexibility. So I try to make this as flexible as I can, as welcoming as I can, and as personal as I can. This is also a safe space,” Santos said.

Students have noted Old Main as being inaccessible. There is no elevator, and the stairs are uneven. Santos says that projects are in motion to make it more accessible, but there are regulations since the building is historically protected. Once renovations begin on the building, Knox has to quickly start additional renovations to make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

When Old Main will be renovated is unknown, but Knox College’s diversity committee is slowly working towards making the campus as a whole more accessible. Executives, professors, and the DSS office are all part of this committee, and they are currently working with the Knox Student Senate to address any student concerns, according to Santos.

The second new team member, Trisha Harden, says that she has been drawn to helping students succeed since her time working in Admissions, where she helped students find their academic path. She encourages students to reach out to the DSS, saying they are always there to support them.

“(…) the DSS office is here to support [the students], not to single them out. Seeking help or asking for accommodations is a sign of self-awareness and strength, not weakness. We’re here to partner with you, listen to your needs, and help remove barriers that might stand in the way of your success,” Harden said.

Harden said that she would like students to know that she wants to help students succeed and reach their full potential, no matter what. 

She says that she believes in supporting students however she can, while maintaining fairness and empathy. She aims to encourage students to advocate for themselves and have personal growth. 

Some of the key services provided by DSS include:

Extended time for exams, distraction-reduced testing spaces, use of laptop/computer in class, note-taking assistance, alternative formats for reading materials, assistive technology, residential accommodations, peer mentoring, peer support groups, one-on-one tutoring, sessions on time management, study skills, organizational skills, test-taking strategies, self-advocacy, and balancing responsibilities.

The DSS office serves between 330 and 350 students annually, according to Harden.

“Adding two new employees will make a tremendous difference in how effectively the DSS office can support students. With additional staff, we can provide more individualized attention and quicker response times to accommodation requests. It will also allow us to strengthen outreach efforts and build stronger connections with faculty, residence life, and other campus departments to ensure accommodations are implemented smoothly,” Harden said.

Harden highlighted some common misconceptions students have about DSS services. These include uncertainty about who qualifies for services, and the beliefs that DSS gives unfair advantages, doesn’t hold students accountable, and only handles paperwork.

Harden said that DSS focuses on advocating for students, providing education, and working collaboratively across the campus. They partner with faculty, student life offices, health and counseling services, and other departments to build inclusive spaces and offer well-rounded support for students.

Harden, Santos, and the DSS office as a whole are committed to student success.

“Whether you’re new to college or just realizing you might benefit from support, we’ll meet you where you are and work together to create a plan that helps you thrive academically and personally,” Harden said.