COUNCIL
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The initial responsibilities of the Council for Disability
Concerns, in 1983, were two-fold: to improve the physical accessibility
on campus, and to develop scholarships for students with disabilities.
These responsibilities
developed into three areas of focus:
- Accessibility
- Education
- Employment
One of the major,
overarching achievements since 1990 is the planning and organization
of the University's observance of Investing
in Ability Week (IAW). During the month of October, major university-wide
educational events take place to enhance awareness concerning disabilities.
One particular
event of note is the James Neubacher Award
ceremony. During this ceremony, one individual (or a small group
of individuals) is recognized for making a significant contribution
towards removing barriers, or civil rights for people with disabilities.
1983
- 1993
Accessibility
- Accessibility
handbook: Getting In and Around University of Michigan Buildings
- Accessibility
map
- Inclusion
of disability related resources in the telephone directories and
brochures (including the Faculty/Staff Directory; the Residence
Hall Directory; the Student Directory; and directories on the
Flint and Dearborn campuses)
- Consulting
and supporting planning accommodations for graduation ceremonies
- Snow and
ice removal policies and procedures
- Support
of the Freedom on the River program: a recreational rowing program
for people with mobility impairments
Education
- James
Neubacher Award ceremony since 1990, in memory of James Neubacher,
alumnus of the University of Michigan.
- Sponsor
and conduct accessible training seminars for campus Building Managers
- Identification
of financial aid needs, scholarships for students with disabilities,
and recommendations for financial aid submitted to the Affirmative
Action Office and the Financial Aid Office
- Resource
Handbook for Students with Handicaps at the University of Michigan
- Survey of
learning disabled students, comparing programs at peer institutions
- Brochure:
College Students with Learning Disabilities
- A report
about internships for students with disabilities sent to the Provost
and all deans
- Recognition
of American Sign Language as a foreign language
- Access to
library using 747-FAST service for students with disabilities
- Production
of a video promoting awareness among faculty about unique needs
of students with disability
Employment
- Policy Statement
on Reasonable Accommodations for employees with disabilities,
distributed to all deans, directors, and department heads to comply
with section 504, Rehabilitation Act, and the publication of a
Disability Resource Guide
- Proposal
for a disability management budget
- Heath insurance
information coverage for persons with disabilities, and special
orientation sessions provided by the Staff Benefits Office
- Survey among
employees with disabilities with work related injuries, identifying
barriers for return to work, and subsequent development of a standard
medical form to be completed by physicians, to determine return
to work issues
- Leadership
for the production of a video training regarding ADA compliance
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1994
- 1997
Accessibility
- Website
for campus accessibility (http://www.plantext.bf.umich.edu/accguide/general/text/imintens.html)
- Accessible
Crisler Arena and Hill Auditorium for ceremonies
Education
- Coordination
of the Investing in Abilities Week (IAW),
including the James Neubacher Award ceremony
- Brochure
Students with Psychiatric Disabilities: An Informed Guide for
Students, Staff and Faculty at the University of Michigan
- Written
guidelines for academic units to meet the legal considerations
regarding student internship opportunities
- Endorsement
of the Adaptive Technology Computing Site (ATCS) in the Shapiro
Undergraduate Library, to meet the computer related needs for
students with disabilities
Employment
- Training
supervisors in ADA
- Reference
handbook Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) resource Packet
- Production
and revision of the video: Focus on Abilities: the ADA at the
University of Michigan
- Revision
of the Physician’s standard medical form for return to work
of employees with disabilities
- Brochure
Accommodating Employees with Psychiatric Disabilities: An Informational
Guide for Supervisors at the University of Michigan
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1998
- 2001
Accessibility
- Provided
expertise for a proposal to create a fully accessible computer
workstation in the medical library (for patrons with mobility
impairments, blindness or who are deaf)
- Initiative
in the Bobby approved Web pages at selected UofM home pages (e.g.
Medical Library home Web page)
Education
- Coordination
of the (LINK) Investing in Abilities Week (IAW), including the
James Neubacher Award ceremony
- Presentation
to the Regents about student disability issues
- Endorsement
of the video And You Can Quote Me On That produced by the Dialogues
on Diversity at the University of Michigan
- Endorsement
of the University of Michigan Initiative for Disability Studies
(UMInDS)
Employment
- Brochure
Ergonomics: A guide to resources for University of Michigan Faculty
and Staff
- Input in
the revision of the EEO policy for reasonable accommodations for
employees with disabilities (in process)
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