Delta Alpha Pi International (DAPi) Honor Society, the first of its kind in the nation, was established in 2004 at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania specifically to recognize the academic accomplishments of university students with disabilities. Because of the negative stereotyping associated with disability, students have been reluctant frequently to identify themselves publicly. Delta Alpha Pi International Honor Society presents an opportunity to change that perception by recognizing students with disabilities for their achievements. In addition this honor society facilitates development of skills in leadership, advocacy and education for student participants.
The three Greek letters have specific meaning. Delta – D for Disability, but also the triangle, symbol of strength. Members of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society demonstrate strength as leaders on campus to help break down the barriers of negativism. Also, they serve as mentors and role models for other students with disabilities. Alpha – A stands for Achievement. Alpha is the beginning, and academic achievement must come first. But A also stands for advocacy because students must advocate for themselves before they can advocate for others. Members of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society enhance advocacy skills for themselves and for the rights of all individuals with disabilities to be included fully in society. Pi – P represents Pride, pride in academic achievement and in other accomplishments, not just as students with disabilities, but as members of the university community. Pi is a mathematical symbol that we learned to use in elementary arithmetic classes. So Pi is an appropriate symbol for education. Members of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society participate in activities designed to educate the community and society regarding disability issues and the need to apply the principles of universal design in learning. Members of Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society work for an “aDAPtable” world.
Membership is open to both undergraduate and graduate students who meet the following criteria: All students must present with a documented disability and work with one of the faculty members in the Office of Disability Services; students must demonstrate an interest in disability issues. Undergraduate students must have completed a minimum of 24 credits and earned an overall Quality Point Average of 3.10. Graduate students must have completed a minimum of 18 credits and earned an overall Quality Point Average of 3.30.
