On Oct. 25, the Office of Accommodation and Accessible Services, in collaboration with the Center for Educational Access, recognized the efforts of campus community members at the second annual Disability Awareness Recognition and Awards Ceremony as part of the October National Disability Awareness Months celebrations. Chancellor Charles F. Robinson opened the ceremony with a statement celebrating the award winners and restating the commitment of the U of A to welcoming and including students, staff, faculty and visitors with disabilities to the campus.

This year, the review committee received four times as many nominations as in the first year of the awards. All those nominated were worthy of praise. The standout nominees were awarded for their commitment to accessibility and equity that did more than comply with legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The winning nominees' kindness, creativity and genuine interest in employees' or students' success were called out in the nomination narratives.

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 a shared commitment, the efforts of these recognized individuals have worked to prove that to our campus community.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Advocate for Equity in Accessibility Award went to the following U of A employees:

Larry Lawson, skilled trades generalist - University Housing staff

Kari McCawley, paratransit operator - Razorback Transit staff

Jennifer Webb - assistant dean, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, and associate professor, Department of Interior Architecture and Design

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

The Inclusive Education Award went to following faculty members:

Douglas J. Adams - associate professor, sociology

Janine A. Parry - University Professor, political science

Daniel Levine - University Professor, world languages, literatures and cultures

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:

Jamie Loftin - assistant vice provost for Distance Education Administration

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:

Margaret "Meg" Bozarth - interim president of the DisabilitTEA Party registered student organization

The award 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 people who use wheelchairs for their mobility. 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 accommodations through the Center for Educational Access. For employees, including student employees (GA/TA/RA) seeking workplace or housing accommodations, the Office of Accommodation and Accessibility Services is available also.

The university also offers resources for visitors. Visitors 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 does not just apply to the physical campus. Razorback Transit buses are all wheelchair ramp equipped. Razorback paratransit services are also available and can be utilized by anyone who qualifies. For more information about transit and 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.