Accessibility Efforts Across Campus Honored in Recognition Ceremony

Alli Johnson, Brent Williams, J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz

Alli Johnson, Laura Moix, J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz

Laura Moix, J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz

Laura James, Brent Williams

Back Row (from L to R): Laura James, Brent Williams, Chris Nixon, J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz, Alli Johnson; Front Row (from L to R): Laura Moix, Kadesha Treco

Alli Johnson, Kadesha Treco, J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz

Alli Johnson, Chris Nixon, J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz

Photo by Russell Cothren

Back Row (from L to R): Laura James, Brent Williams, Chris Nixon, J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz, Alli Johnson; Front Row (from L to R): Laura Moix and Kadesha Treco

The Office of Accommodation and Accessible Services (OEOC-AAS) in collaboration with the Center for Educational Access (CEA) recently recognized the efforts of campus community members at the Disability Awareness Recognition and Awards Ceremony.

These individuals efforts help to create an "ADA Friendly" campus and a sense of belonging for all individuals with disabilities 

Under the guise of "it takes a village,” these awards highlight the importance of the involvement of the entire campus community in providing accommodations and promoting accessibility. As our campus strives to become a place where accessibility is common place, the efforts of these recognized individuals have helped propel the university in the right direction.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Advocate for Equity in Accessibility Award went to Chris Nixon, director of digital strategy in University Relations. 

The award recognizes individuals who have promoted accessibility and/or affected positive changes in regard to accessibility within the campus community to ensure that all individuals enjoy all of the benefits of campus life. These advocates work behind the scenes to remove barriers.  

The Inclusive Education Award went to Brent Williams, associate professor of counselor education and supervision in the College of Education and Health Professions. 

The award recognizes a faculty member or academic leadership who has contributed to the enhancement of an inclusive educational environment or equitable opportunities for students.

The Inclusive Employment Award went to Laura Moix, director of graduate student support in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. 

The award recognizes managers or departments efforts to hire and retain employees with disabilities, and to recognize Best Practices affecting employees with disabilities within the workplace. It also recognizes the efforts of individuals who go above and beyond what is legally required to create an inclusive welcoming environment and to encourage the ‘stay at work’ principle.

The Student Advocate Award went to Kadesha Treco, graduate assistant in the Public Policy program in the Graduate School. 

It recognizes outstanding efforts by an undergraduate or graduate student in representing disability identity or community on campus or by increasing campus access through advocacy or involvement.

MORE ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY AT THE U OF A

Accessibility is the degree to which a product, device, program, service, resource or environment is available to a given user. If a building on campus has a wheelchair ramp leading to its main entrance, that entrance is accessible to wheelchair users. If a lecture includes sign language interpreters, that lecture is accessible to attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing and who understand sign language.

It is the policy of the U of A to provide equal access and opportunity to qualified persons with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990; and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. The university prohibits discrimination based on disability in all services, programs and activities, aspects of the application process and employment relationship. The university will make good-faith efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants, employees, students, visitors and participants in programs and services.

The U of A provides academic and housing accomodations through the Center for Educational Access. For employees, including student employees (GA/TA/RA) seeking workplace or housing accomodations, the Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services is available also.

The university also offers resources for vistors. Vistors are asked to give a 10 business day notice for accommodations when visiting campus. For accommodations for campus visits, please contact the Office of Admissions.

An interactive map is also available that highlights accessible building entrances and also gives direction to accessible parking spots, accessible entry points and single-use bathrooms across campus.

Accessibility doesn’t just apply to the physical campus. Razorback paratransit services are also available and can be utilized for anyone who qualifies. For more information about paratransit services at the U of A, please visit the “Getting Around” tab on the accessibility website.

For more information about how the U of A is continuing to be an accessible campus for all, please visit the Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services website.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.