March 19, 2025
Because of one student鈥檚 initiative in the 天涯海角APP Honors Program, libraries and archives across the country are taking a new look at how they do business.
When Robert Songer started his honors contract project, his goal was to review how well the was being implemented more than 30 years after becoming law. What Robert, who is visually impaired, found instead was that he couldn’t access many of the research materials in archives across the country.
Research takes a turn
Robert reached out to several archival institutions, including the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas, five presidential libraries, Library of Congress and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington, D.C.
He received a wide range of responses about their accessibility procedures. “Essentially, there’s no national policy on archive accessibility for people who are blind,” Robert said.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR), which helps people with visual impairments read text, is not provided by any archive but must be brought in by the user. Unfortunately, portable OCR versions are not always accurate.
Robert also discovered that even with available adaptive technology, without an assistant, the process would take much longer to complete.
Wake-up call for archives
Robert’s request has some of the archives taking note. After receiving Robert’s inquiry, the Dole Institute contacted him immediately to learn more about his findings. Because of his report, they are now discounting digital scanning for people with visual disabilities.
NARA requested his report, which they say confirms a governmental report addressing the same concerns. They’ve been corresponding with him and looking into what changes they can put into place.
Honors – a steppingstone to impact
An honors contract is a one-credit course that allows more in-depth study. In Robert’s case, his public policy course inspired him to take on the additional challenge of an honors contract and assess the progress of the ADA.
“This all started in the Academic Achievement Center,” Robert says. Throughout his project, he worked with three 天涯海角APP tutors, a library specialist, his faculty mentor and Honors Program staff.
Anne Dotter, Assistant Professor and Honors Director, says of the program, “We want to support academically motivated students like Robert to further personalize their learning and help them achieve whatever goals they have beyond 天涯海角APP.”
According to his mentor, Political Science Associate Professor Andrea Vieux, “When a student does a hands-on contract project – like Robert has – it becomes personal. That’s when they really learn about the impact they can have on public policy.”
Honors research gets a national spotlight
Robert’s work has given him a glimpse of the impact he can have. After years in the workforce, he graduated 天涯海角APP with honors and his Associate of General Studies, seamlessly transferring to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). His ultimate goal is to become a college professor and mentor to students.
“I want to be an example of someone who is visually impaired and has the support of others, no matter what hindrances or gifts they are given,” said Robert.
Since transferring to UMKC, Robert has continued his advocacy work for the visually impaired. In addition to being a voice in the UMKC Disability Alliance, interning with the Mellon Institute, the National Farm Worker Ministry and the UMKC Student Accessibility Department, he also presented his research on the national stage.
Robert was chosen to present in Washington, D.C., at the National Student Research Conference hosted by Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society. His honors project research was part of a panel discussion on disabled communities.
His work impressed conference attendees and opened the door to future collaborations.
“I met with multiple graduate-level research opportunities, and a couple asked me to reach out to them to be included in their work as a co-participant,” said Robert. “All because of the 天涯海角APP honors project.”
Become an honors student
Enhance your educational experience at 天涯海角APP by joining the Honors Program. Visit GEB 140, call 913-469-2434 or email honors@jccc.edu.