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Southern Miss Institute for Disability Studies Has New Name

Fri, 10/03/2014 - 09:45am | By: Alma Ellis

Tennis is one of the many options available to clients at the Institute for Disability Studies Gulf Park Campus. (Submitted photo)

Tucked away on a corner of The University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, the Institute for Disability Studies Gulf Park Campus is the new name for a facility that is renowned for its service to those in need.

Previously known as simply The Institute for Disability Studies, the new name reflects the center's home base and primary focus. IDS Gulf Park offers a collection of community service programs that have been serving children and adults with disabilities and their families locally on the Gulf Coast and statewide for years.

“IDS Gulf Park Campus has been part of the Institute for Disability Studies for some years now,” said Dr. Vafa Kamali, interim executive director, “but this name change better reflects the focus of our programs for children and adults with disabilities and their families.”

IDS Gulf Park offers specialized recreation and assistive technology equipment for children and adults. From beach wheelchairs, special fishing poles, kayaks and hand cycles - even golf carts and clubs - to adapted computers, toys and games, the equipment is available for use free of charge to anyone with a disability.

Want to exercise or play? An accessible fitness center, fitness trail and play park are located adjacent to the Institute for Disability Studies Gulf Park building. Want to play tennis? Players with disabilities can take to the courts just across from the building's front door. Lessons are available. Want to make ceramics? IDS Gulf Park Campus houses a ceramic studio and provides instruction.

IDS Gulf Park Campus also sponsors an award-winning wheelchair basketball team and proudly provides services to veterans with disabilities. Additionally, IDS has fair housing staff onsite at the Gulf Park Campus.

For more information about the programs and services offered by IDS Gulf Park Campus, call 228.214.3400 or visit http://www.usm.edu/ids.