Get to know the Disability Resource Center and its new ally—Cori

The Disability Resource Center (DRC) has been a long-time champion for fostering a campus culture where students, faculty and staff have the resources to work together in a barrier-free learning environment. The department’s dedicated staff guide and support students with disabilities and assist them along the way to a successful college experience.

“Some of the benefits of using the DRC include the fact that students, such as myself, are helped to succeed and not struggle in their classes so that they may graduate in a timely manner; as well as feeling a sense of inclusion with the rest of the diverse community here at FIU,” said Mayasophia Cárdenas-Ríos, a junior studying international business.

This semester, the DRC introduced Cori, the center's first-ever mascot, in hopes of facilitating dialogue about various disability topics, such as service and emotional support animals on campus, the lived disability experience, and invisible disabilities. 

“While we always aim to provide a stellar array of core services related to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), we are thrilled that Cori creates buzz about the DRC,” said Amanda Niguidula, director of the Disability Resource Center.

Cori, a Corgi, will serve as an educational tool and rebranding effort to help destigmatize disability in the FIU community and to empower students, faculty and staff to be more inclusive in their practices and programming. 

Additionally, Cori’s presence on DRC’s social media sites will allow for a more interactive experience.

“I feel that Cori can make the benefits of using the DRC better by creating a sense of camaraderie among the entire community here at FIU while informing them of the various resources the DRC has to offer. Plus, who doesn’t love dogs!” said Cárdenas-Ríos.

“It’s an exciting time for us to draw attention to the talented and accomplished students who work together to make FIU a more inclusive community,” added Niguidula.

Learn more about the Disability Resource Center and everything it has to offer.

And be sure to follow Cori on Instagram and Facebook as he shares his journey, which will highlight the day-to-day adventures of students with disabilities from the point of view of a service animal.