Brad Hedrick, director of the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services, accepted the award for the divsion as well as Nugent Hall at the Paralyzed Veterans of America Americana Gala in Washington, D.C.
“The award was an acknowledgement of the leadership the University has shown to promote societal access for people with disabilities,” Hedrick said.
The Barrier-Free America Award, created in 2001, is annually presented to an organization or individual that focuses on the importance of accessible design for people who are paralyzed.
Nugent Hall, named after DRES founder, Timothy J. Nugent, opened in March 2010 and provides students with remote-controlled ceiling lift systems, sensor-controlled light switches, keyless entry and adjustable furniture. The University was the first to offer residential services to students with disabilities, according to a press release.
Hedrick said there are more than 1,300 students in the program and over 70 percent of those students have a disability.
“(DRES) provide(s) all of the services that are required to provide students with equal access,” Hedrick said. “The population has substantially grown over the past 40 years.”
Hedrick said the facility tries to be helpful in providing students with support groups and academic coaching.
He said DRES is known for having the first wheelchair-accessible fixed route bus system and implementing curb cuts. Delta Sigma Omicron also became the first university service fraternity and advocacy group comprised of students with disabilities with the help of DRES. The division also helped establish the first collegiate adapted sports and recreation program for students with disabilities.
According to the DRES website, students are recognized for their abilities, rather than their disabilities.
Maureen Gilbert, campus life coordinator, works on creating programs to allow students an equal opportunity to get involved.
“There are so many opportunities the students become aware of,” Gilbert said.
She said that recently the campus recreation center hired a graduate student to assist in accessibility for paralyzed students.
“This was big because the campus recreation was taking a stand because they knew it was important,” she said.
These students are making the most of their experience here on campus, too, she said. Christina Young, freshman in AHS, plays for the University’s wheelchair basketball team.
“So far, playing for the wheelchair basketball team has been the best time of my life,” Young said. “All my teammates are wonderful and they are like my new family.”
Young said the University does a good job with making campus accessible to paralyzed students through the bus ramps, accessible buildings and athletic programs offered.
“I feel as if I have the same opportunities as any other student,” Young said. “I can do anything anyone else can.”
# article by Yele Ajayi The Daily Illini | October 7, 2012
Yele can be reached at news@dailyillini.com.
http://www.dailyillini.com/article/2012/10/university-of-illinois-wins-barrier-free-america-award
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