Re: "Student seeks written captions," Jan. 31 article.

I have one solution to Alexandra Cherrie's problem. My disability is a severe hearing loss also, and as a staff member at Penn State this past year, I have become familiar with using the captioning service.

Through the Internet, one can use any captionist in the United States. A couple of months ago, I used a captionist in Kansas for a conference in the MBNA building here on campus.

Through the national organization SHHH, I become aware of the latest technology to help the hearing impaired. The procedure for implementing some of the technology is not widely known in central Pennsylvania.

There is a huge need for people with disabilities on campus to meet so that we can help each other with information that we are learning separately. My notebook with information that I have collected is now 4 inches thick! I would love to be able to share that with others.

I believe a complaint may have been avoided if there was a self-help organization on campus. I believe the Office of Disability Services and the American Disability Act offices are doing a good job. But I need more help than they can give me, and I don't think paid staff is the answer.

Since other groups that fall under diversity at Penn State have a commission, I think that there should be a "Commission for Persons with Disabilities." If you want to be a part of organizing a group please e-mail me at Rolerangel@aol.com.