Access UChicago Now is a centralized initiative seeking multiple perspectives on how the University of Chicago supports and serves members of the campus community with disabilities. The initiative is sponsored by the Office for Access and Equity (OAE), Student Disability Services (SDS), and Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) in partnership with the D+I Studio.
“The primary goal of Access UChicago Now is to increase awareness about campus accessibility and solicit feedback from members of the campus community about their experiences and perspectives related to access and inclusion of people with disabilities,” says Liz Honig, Director of the Office for Access and Equity.
More than 50 students, faculty, and staff were interviewed earlier this year to help inform the initiative. Interviews focused on a number of topics, including experiences working and participating in the life of the University as a person with a disability; experiences working with others in the campus community with disabilities; and efforts to support accessibility across campus. The results of these interviews will be presented at a campus-wide Town Hall meeting on October 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Eckhardt 161. The Town Hall will also feature a presentation and break-out sessions where participants can share their own experiences and help prioritize next steps.
“We seek to advance and propose changes within the University that empower people with disabilities, increase awareness and training on disability, promote acceptance of difference accompanied by reduced stigma for people with differing abilities, and improve services and support for people with disabilities,” Honig says.
Recommendations stemming from this work and information on next steps will be shared with the campus community during Winter Quarter 2020. Get more information and RSVP for the Town Hall now. If you have questions, contact Honig at 773.702.4913 or ehonig@uchicago.edu.