INTRODUCTION:
CCSPD opened the 2001-2002 fiscal year by welcoming five new members to the Committee. The Committee made an effort to recruit members with disabilities from the “East Campus” to address lack of representation from those departments and programs. The following members were nominated by the Committee and appointed by the Chancellor:
Richard Larson, Faculty in the Mathematics Department
Elyse Nowak, Academic Staff in Social Work/MATEC
Erick Lopez, Student in LAS/Political Science
Zakiyyah Wahid, Academic Staff in AHS/DHD
Peter Berg, Academic Staff in AHS/DHD
In addition to the ongoing efforts of the Committee to provide and support disability educational and cultural activities, the Committee coordinated several forums which would provide an opportunity for persons with disabilities to have direct dialog with UIC administrators regarding access issues on campus. The Committee also hoped to assist in efforts to make changes regarding the mission, scope, and administrative relocation of the Office of Disability Services. These issues were raised by the Committee last year and also addressed in the External Consultant’s Report (March 2001). The Committee is concerned about the lack of direct involvement of CCSPD and other people with disabilities in the Administration’s planning efforts regarding Disability Services this year. The Committee looks forward to working more closely with Administration in accomplishing these goals in the upcoming year.
HISTORY:
The CCSPD was formed in 1972 to address accessibility in the context of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Concerns about UIC compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act have become integral to the mission of our Committee over the last ten years.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the CCSPD is to promote empowerment and inclusion of students, faculty and staff with disabilities at UIC. The committee recognizes that people with disabilities are a diverse group, including individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities. The CCSPD shall provide a forum for discussion and assessment of disability-related issues that are relevant for the campus and the larger community. In addition, the CCSPD shall advise the Chancellor and other administrative units and make recommendations on disability-related issues, policies, services, attitudes and practices on campus. This mission is motivated by the belief that people with disabilities are assets to the university, not liabilities.
HIGHLIGHTS OF CCSPD ACTIVITIES:
Disability Forum Series
The Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Persons with Disabilities (CCSPD) hosted a series of four forums during the Winter term. The purpose of the forums was to give staff and students with disabilities an opportunity to address issues of great importance to the disability community at the University. The forums were designed to allow staff and students to address their concerns with the administrators who shape policies at UIC.
In January, Mark Donovan, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, participated in a forum discussing the accessibility of the University's transportation system. Concerns about the lack of door-to-door para-transit bus service on weekends were discussed. Furthermore, the lack of complimentary service to the Union and Northwestern train stations was mentioned. Students also voiced concerns about their inability to get dropped off by the shuttle bus along Taylor Street. The students indicated that non-disabled students are regularly dropped off anywhere along the Taylor Street shuttle route.
In February, the Committee held a forum on accessible parking and snow removal procedures. Karen Melodia from Campus Parking and Pablo Acevedo, Associate Director of Facilities Management, attended. Some staff members raised concerns about the process required to receive an accessible parking space. Several staff members raised questions about how well the access aisles that are located next to all accessible spaces are cleared following snowstorms.
Anthony Martin, Director of Housing, participated in an accessible housing forum in March. The University's policy of not allowing non-UIC students to live with students who need a personal care assistant was discussed. Mr. Martin indicated that he was willing to examine this policy because it is very difficult for students with disabilities to find a UIC student to hire as their personal care assistant. Mr. Martin reported that the University's newest dormitory allowed students using mobility devices to have access to all of the residential rooms.
In April, the final forum on the accessibility of the University's facilities was held. Mark Donovan and James Foerster, Associate Vice Chancellor for Capital Programs, participated. Concerns about how the University reviews architectural plans to insure compliance with all local, state and Federal accessibility standards were raised by staff members in attendance. Additionally, there exists a lack of a system to notify staff members and students about impending construction. This poses a great concern due to the impact of changes to an accessible route, such as sidewalk closings or building entrance closings, for visually impaired or blind people or individuals with mobility impairments.
The forums were successful in allowing staff and students with disabilities to address their concerns about issues with the administrators, who can make positive changes. The Committee was pleased with the willingness of the Administration to participate in the forums.
Cosponsored Events
1. The CCSPD cosponsored, in collaboration with the Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Women and the Office of Women's Affairs, the Women's Leadership Symposium 2001 Celebration. The theme was “Women's Leadership Symposium 2001: Keeping You One Step Ahead.” At least one session focused on women with disabilities from minority communities.
2. Riva Lehrer: Exhibit and Presentation: Circle Stories, March 2002. The CCSPD cosponsored the disabled artist’s exhibit and talk in the Art Lounge, CIU during March 2002. Riva Lehrer, an award-winning artist, has had solo exhibitions and group shows throughout the country. Lehrer created Circle Stories as an exhibit of well-established artists in theater, dance, writing, and visual arts. Each artist also has a significant physical disability, and an interest in exploring body issues in his or her own work.
3. Cosponsored the Disability Studies Lecture Series for the 2001-02 academic year. A total of six speakers (three during the Fall Semester and three during the Spring Semester) provided presentations highlighting many areas of disability studies. The programs were well attended and provided additional exposure for the CCSPD on campus.
CCSPD Video Nights
Back by popular demand, the Committee held two “Come to the Movies” events for UIC faculty, staff, students and visitors. The purpose of these film nights was to educate and increase awareness of members of the UIC community about disability political, cultural, and historical issues. The first date was Wednesday, January 30, 2002 and the second date was Tuesday, April 9, 2002. Videos were projected onto a large screen using a LCD-projector. The films were chosen by the CCSPD Program Committee to address historical or current events and issues relevant to the lived experience of Disability. Refreshments were provided for attendees and the films were followed by a period set aside for a moderated discussion and questions. The events were advertised through the use of email listserv announcements and flyers posted across the campus. Disability accommodations such as sign-language interpretation and real -time captioning were provided.
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Student Services Building
“Body Talk”
“Breathing Lessons”
“Walk This Way”
Tuesday, April 9, 2002
Chicago Illini Union
“The Power of 504"
“My Country”
UIC Voiced Commitment Statement
Several members of the CCSPD were appointed by the Chancellor to serve on a task force to draft language for a campus wide commitment statement to people with disabilities. Several members of the campus community served on this committee. CCSPD members included Larry Voss, Robin Jones, David Mitchell, and Carol Gill. A draft statement was submitted to Chancellor Manning for review and a version is due to be released in August/September 2002.
Upon release of the statement, the CCSPD will begin to address how the statement can be operationalized on campus and ensure that it is integrated into the activities of the administration and campus in general.
CCSPD presents Harilyn Rousso
Harilyn Rousso is Executive Director of Disabilities Unlimited Consulting Services and co-editor of the new book, Double Jeopardy: Addressing Gender Equity in Special Education (SUNY Press, 2001). Widely honored for her leadership in both the feminist and disability communities, Ms. Rousso created the historically influential Networking Project for Disabled Women and Girls in 1984. She also is the co-author of Disabled, Female, and Proud!: Stories of Ten Women with Disabilities.
Ms. Rousso’s presentation was entitled:
“Girls and Young Women with Disabilities: What We Know
and Need to Know”
A national snapshot covering health, identity, sexuality, violence, education and employment. Looks at barriers to conducting research
with this group and strategies for overcoming them.
This event was a tremendous success, drawing a diverse audience of approximately 60 persons from across campus. Ms. Rousso’s presentation reviewed current research involving girls and young women with disabilities and made recommendations for future directions in research efforts. Her presentation was followed by a period of questions and answers.
Annual Awards Banquet
An exemplary honoree received the CCSPD Achievement Award during the CCSPD Annual banquet held on May 29, 2002 at the University Village Hyatt Regency Hotel. Individuals present included members of the CCSPD, representatives from the Office of Access and Equity, and staff from the Office of Disability Services. Regrets due to scheduling conflicts were sent by Interim Provost Tate and Chancellor Manning.
The 2002 recipient was given a plaque honoring her for making a:
"significant contribution toward making UIC a more welcoming
and accessible environment for persons with disabilities"
The 2002 recipient was:
Joy Hyzny, Assistant Technology Specialist, Office of Disabled Student Services.
Additional Activities
Purchase of Videos for CCSPD Collection/Library
The CCSPD has a tradition of maintaining a video library of current and historical films related to a variety of disability issues. The videos are utilized by CCSPD members, UIC staff, and campus groups for disability awareness events, educational programs, and other appropriate events. The videos may be borrowed at no charge. Additions to the collection occur as funds become available and/or new titles are identified. Additions during 2001-2002 included:
1) "Crip Shots" by John Killacky
2) "BODY TALK" by Cheryl Wade
ADA Project
A member of the CCSPD served as a representative on a committee established by Office of Access and Equity, to review a list of "barriers" initially identified in 1995-96 via the funds made available through the Illinois Capital Development Board. A small amount of dollars remains in the original fund and the committee met to make recommendations and establish priorities for use of these remaining funds. The following recommendations were made:
CDB / ADA PRIORITIES FOR UIC
| Building | Estimated Cost |
|
University Hall (Bldg. 601) |
|
|
A Need accessible entrance at vestibule 110 |
$80,000 |
|
A Modify conference room doors at 5th & 27th floors. (Power assist) |
$50,000 |
|
ECSW (bldg. R1017) |
|
| A Provide accessible toilet in L280 | $80,000 |
| MAB ( Bldg. 922 ) | |
| A Automatic door openers front entry | $50,000 |
| BGRC ( Bldg. 933 ) | |
| A Automatic door openers front entry | $50,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$310,000 |
Evacuation Procedures
CCSPD invited speakers to attend the January 14, 2002 meeting to discuss emergency evacuation planning and procedures at UIC. Per the discussion at the December meeting, Caryn Bills was able to secure time from Diane Hodges and Marilyn Hau, Director of Environmental Health and Safety Office. A follow-up to this meeting occurred in March 2002 when Richard Anderson, Associate Director for Health and Safety from the Environmental Health and Safety Department met with Peter Berg, CCSPD liaison for emergency procedures on campus, regarding plans for including people with disabilities in the plans underway. At this time, UIC had a consultant with experience in emergency management (Chicago Fire Department) working with them on an ad hoc basis. Plans were made to include the CCSPD liaison in any campus wide efforts related to evacuation procedures
Disability Services Task Force
The CCSPD remains interested and committed to the relocation of the campus Office of Disability Services from its current administrative location within the Counseling Center, as well as redefining the scope and mission of this Office. The Committee has formed a Task Force to explore innovative models of disability service provision which reflect current ways of viewing the disability experience in society. The Task Force includes students, faculty, and staff with disabilities and the Director of the Office of Disability Services. The CCSPD continues to monitor campus activities in this area and has communicated to Chancellor Manning the desire for CCSPD’s direct involvement in any decision-making regarding this issue.
CCSPD Procedure for Electing Co-chairs & Nominating New Members
The Committee discussed at length the procedures for identifying new members of the CCSPD and electing co-chairs. The Committee delegated the process of determining a recruitment and identification process to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee put announcements on the campus listservs for Faculty and Academic Staff (ACADEMY & PACADEMY) as well as solicited interested persons during the CCSPD sponsored events such as the film night and lecture series. A total of seven nominations for new members were received by the Executive Committee and reviewed. Interested persons were asked to submit a statement of their interest in the CCSPD and what they believed their contribution to the Committee would be. The Executive Committee brought the list of recommended candidates to the full CCSPD for review and submitted the final list to the Chancellor for consideration. The Committee will explore additional ways to recruit new members during the upcoming year. The Committee is interested in maintaining a diverse Committee and ensuring representation from students, staff, and faculty across the campus.
CCSPD BUDGET REQUEST FY03
|
Graduate Assistant (Includes summer appointment) |
$6667 |
| Travel | $0 |
| Registration | $0 |
| Programming | $6361 |
| Education Fund | $2500 |
| Refreshments | $1700 |
| Supplies | $1477 |
| Advertising/Programs | $1600 |
| Postage | $500 |
| ICR (Summer Programs) | $1500 |
|
Total |
$22,305 |
Note: The budget for this year does not include funds for Professional Services, i.e. captioning, signers, as these are reasonable accommodations to ensure access to the meetings and activities which will be funded directly through the Office of Access and Equity budget process.
*Proposed FY 2003 Budget request reflects a $1,000 decrease in approved budget mid-year 2002 and an additional 6.9% decrease in the adjusted 2002 budget as directed by the Chancellor.