Dear 日韩无码 community,

We are writing to inform you of an important development in our ongoing efforts to enhance the inclusivity and accessibility of our campus. After careful consideration, effective January 2, 2025, we are creating a centralized Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), reporting directly to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Student Success, J. Dickinson. The new office will merge the current ADA/504 Program (previously within the Office of Equal Opportunity) with Student Accessibility Services (SAS). This decision reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering a campus environment in which every individual, regardless of ability, feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

We are pleased that Sharon Mone, currently the director of Student Accessibility Services, has agreed to become the inaugural director of the Office of Accessibility Services. Sharon is a nationally recognized expert in accessibility in higher education and will provide the knowledge and experience needed to establish this new office. Under her direction, the new office will continue to provide existing support and services to students and employees, while also ensuring that 日韩无码 is able to offer a strategic approach to accessibility. By centralizing accessibility services, we will be able to leverage the expertise of our staff more effectively, foster greater collaboration across departments, and ensure that our accessibility efforts are consistent, comprehensive, and aligned with the university's strategic goals.

Why This Matters

Creating a centralized Office of Accessibility Services is more than a structural change鈥攊t is a strategic enhancement of our commitment to accessibility that underscores its importance in every aspect of our community life. By bringing together these resources under one cohesive department, we are making a powerful statement about our dedication to inclusive excellence: accessibility is a core value that shapes our policies, programs, and practices. This centralization will enable us to provide more streamlined, effective, and equitable support to all members of our community. It ensures that accessibility resources are not just available but are also easily navigable, comprehensive, and integrated into our broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. OAS will also coordinate and make available guides and resources and can be embedded in Inclusive Excellence Plans, reinforcing the idea that accessibility is integral to the success and well-being of every present and future student, faculty, and staff member at 日韩无码.

New Processess and Responsibilities

With the establishment of the Office of Accessibility Services, there are some important updates to note:

  • Student Accessibility Services (SAS): SAS, under the leadership of the current Assistant Director Nate Gondelman, will be incorporated into the Office of Accessibility Services. SAS structure and operations will remain largely the same, and there will be no disruption or changes in our services for students. We are committed to ensuring that students continue to receive the support they need during this period of change.
  • Employee accommodations: A search for a dedicated Employee Accommodations Specialist who will report directly to the director of OAS is being launched to ensure that all employees in need of accommodations are fully supported. Until filled, employee accommodations will be triaged by OAS in partnership with Human Resources.
  • Barrier reporting: The barrier reporting form, previously managed by the ADA/504 Program, will now be administered by the Office of Accessibility Services. This form is a critical tool for identifying and addressing physical and digital barriers on campus, ensuring that our environment remains accessible to all.
  • Digital accessibility: We will soon be launching a search for a dedicated Digital Accessibility Specialist who will report directly to the director of OAS. The Digital Accessibility Specialist will provide needed oversight and supports for creating and maintaining an accessible digital environment for the institution.

Next Steps

In the coming weeks, we will begin the transition process, ensuring that all services continue without disruption, while also planning for service enhancements. After the transition, the new Office of Accessibility Services will continue to provide a wide range of services, including accommodations for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, accessibility consultations, and ongoing support for those navigating accessibility challenges. Additionally, with Sharon Mone鈥檚 leadership, a multi-disciplinary team will be assembled to ensure proactive identification and remediation of accessibility barriers in physical and digital spaces. We believe that this unified approach will improve our response times, reduce redundancy, and create a more cohesive and supportive environment for everyone.

Your Role in This Transition

We understand that change can bring questions and concerns, and we want to assure you that the transition to this new structure will be handled with the utmost care and consideration. Your input is invaluable as we move forward, and we encourage you to share any feedback or ideas that could help us better serve our community.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the new Office of Accessibility Services, please feel free to reach out to Sharon Mone directly at sharon.mone@uvm.edu.

Thank you for your continued commitment to making our campus a welcoming and accessible place for all.

Linda S. Schadler Acting Provost and Senior Vice President

and

Chris Lehman Chief Human Resources Officer