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By Dateline staff

Soaring to New Heights also serves as the venue for the annual presentation of Disability Awareness Awards. This year’s recipients:

• Renee Araiza, repository manager, Mouse Biology Program, Center for Comparative Medicine — She has been creative in providing reasonable accommodation solutions. She sees to it that all necessary physical changes are put in place, and has ensured appropriate accommodations for employees who may be working offsite on university business.

• Erica Brown, assistant director, Aquatics and Mobility Assistance Shuttle Program, Campus Recreation and Unions — She works closely with Transportation and Parking Services, Student Health and Counseling Services, Disability Management Services and Student Disability Services, to ensure safe, accessible and reliable transportation for campus community members. 

• Dewight Kramer, senior IT service analyst, Division of Social Sciences — Recognized for his efforts on behalf of faculty, staff and students, to ensure they have the latest in screen reader software, specialized input devices and other assistive technologies. He is a member of the Electronic Accessibility Steering Committee, and collaborates with the Student Disability Center and Disability Management Services.

• Jessica Potts, management services officer, Department of Chemistry — She has provided flexible and alternate schedules to accommodate her employees. Her approach is to take the initiative, she has an open-door policy and listens to employees’ needs, making appropriate adjustments, as needed, for her employees.

• Nancy Van Tassel, accounts payable manager, Accounting and Financial Services — She takes the initiative in determining appropriate workplace accommodations, often adjusting workloads and work processes to accommodate her staff and help them work at their full capacity.