Recognize Champions of Disability Issues

James T. Neubacher was a passionate advocate for people with disabilities

Teaching students to program mobile apps to make it easier for people with cerebral palsy to navigate campus. Designing architectural solutions to improve building access. Reducing the stigma around seeking support for mental health among students. These are a few examples of the work celebrated by the James T. Neubacher Award.

Established by the university's Council for Disability Concerns in October 1990, the award is a memorial to James T. Neubacher, a university alumnus and columnist for the Detroit Free Press who advocated for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The award is presented to a faculty or staff member, student, alumna or alumnus for achievements in:

  • Promoting acceptance and awareness of people with disabilities
  • Advocating for the civil rights of people with disabilities
  • Removing barriers to full participation for people with disabilities

A stipend is provided by the Office of the President and the award is sponsored by the Office of Institutional Equity, University Human Resources, the U-M Council for Disability Concerns, Michigan Medicine and the Office of the President.

Nominations are being accepted for the 30th annual James T. Neubacher Award. The award will be presented during Investing in Ability events that take place in October.

Celebrate passionate advocates for people with disabilities by making a nomination by June 22. 

Related News

James T. Neubacher portrait on a blue field

Celebrate Those Who Make the World More Accessible

Nominations are sought for the 2022 James T. Neubacher Award.