UM-Flint receives Community Access Award

The Disability Network selected the University of Michigan-Flint as a recipient of its Community Access Award. The Award was presented to Zachary Tomlinson, the accessibility services coordinator and Bill Webb, assistant vice chancellor for administration. Barbara Kornblau, the new dean of the School of Health Professions and Studies, who is an advocate of accessibility issues, was introduced at the award ceremony.

According to the Disability Network, the Community Access Award is presented to a business or organization that has increased accessibility to their services and/or products for people with disabilities. They demonstrate qualities that foster and support self-determination and full participation in our community.

"The university is strongly committed to providing access to persons with disabilities," said Webb. "Zach and I are delighted to receive this recognition on behalf of the university, and the many students, faculty and staff whose work made this award possible."

Mike Zelley, (far left in photo) Disability Network president and CEO, cited some of the reasons U-M Flint was selected for the award:

· When designing and building the new student housing, (First Street Residence Hall), they included features needed by students with disabilities. They went above and beyond what is required by the ADA.

· When a builder made a mistake with a curb cut, the University acted quickly to rectify the mistake.

· Have consistently made improvements to campus, services, and programs to insure that people with disabilities are provided with an opportunity to participate.

The presentation was made at the observance of the 19^th Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act held at Flint's Kearsley Park