Nominations Sought for 2024 U of A Disability Awareness Recognition and Awards

OEOC-AAS

Mock-up of the award plaque with a large alternative access symbol in Cardinal Red centered in the clear acrylic award.

Do you know someone within the university community who has been dedicated to promoting accommodation and accessibility on campus? We encourage you to nominate that individual for the U of A Disability Recognition Awards this year.

For the third  year, as part of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) acknowledgement on campus, the Office of Accommodation and Accessible Services, in partnership with the Center for Educational Access, is hosting this event to acknowledge the contributions of campus members who have actively worked towards establishing an "ADA Friendly" environment and fostering a sense of inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.

These awards serve to underscore the significance of the entire campus community's involvement in advancing accessibility for all employees, students and visitors at the U of A. As we endeavor to build a welcoming and accessible campus, it is crucial to recognize and appreciate the contributions of our faculty, staff, students and community partners in this endeavor.

Link to awards nomination form.

Awards categories:

The J'onnelle Colbert-Diaz Advocate for Equity in Accessibility Award: recognizes individuals who have promoted accessibility and/or affected positive changes that have improved 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.

Inclusive Education Award: recognizes a faculty member or academic leadership who has contributed to the enhancement of an inclusive educational environment or equitable opportunities for students.

Inclusive Employment Award: recognizes supervisors, managers or departments leaders who have worked to hire and retain employees with disabilities, and to recognize best practices affecting employees with disabilities within the workplace. This award recognizes the efforts of individuals who go above and beyond what is minimally or just legally required to create an inclusive welcoming working environment.

Student Advocate Award: recognizes outstanding efforts by an undergraduate or graduate student in representing disability identity, building community on campus or by increasing campus access through their advocacy or involvement.

Awards event information:

The U of A Disability Awards Recognition and Awards Ceremony, an in-person event, will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Arkansas Union rooms 507-511.

The awards ceremony will open with video remarks by noted disability rights and independent living leader Professor Lex Frieden. Frieden is credited as one of the primary architects of the effort to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and continues to work to promote accessibility, independence and equitable participation of people with disabilities in the United States and internationally.

Registration information: Please contact Accommodation & Accessibility Services if you are interested in attending this awards celebration at 479-575-6208 or access@uark.edu.