Making the Disability Resources office part of the success at Iowa State would be one of Steven Moats’ goals if he is named the coordinator of the office.

“We need to be a key to success,” Moats said. “My professional goal is to assist people in reaching their maximum level of function at home, school and in the workplace.”

Moats spoke at an open forum Monday afternoon to present his application for the coordinator of Disability Resources.

Moats earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Mount Mercy College. He went on to earn a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Iowa.

He currently is assistant to the director of Disability Services at the University of Iowa, a part-time employee at Student Services in the Division of Student Development at Kirkwood Community College and a private counselor for those adversely affected by disabilities in the workplace.

“I am interested in ISU because it is a great opportunity for me to help more people,” he said.

Both candidates applying for the coordinator of Disability Resources spent two days on campus with students and participated in an open forum.

“I love being around students and the energy they exude,” Moats said.

He said students told him their main concern with the office is people accidentally “slipping through the cracks” and going unnoticed.

Moats suggested changes in the program to remedy this problem.

“We can’t see everyone, but we can be keys to those we do see,” he said. “Sometimes people have fallen through the cracks, and a follow-up may be a safety check.”