Americans with Disabilities Act Award

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Award honors individuals whose important contributions advance education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities at The University of Montana-Missoula. The ADA Team recognizes that endeavors toward carrying on the spirit of the ADA require commitment and perseverance through challenges. Awardees continually set a high standard of excellence by honoring the importance of civil rights laws, using best quality practices, and creating innovative solutions that support the vision of The University of Montana to create a completely accessible campus.  The award comes with a $1,500 prize.

Criteria
Candidates for this award must meet elements of the following criteria:

• Depth and consistency of accessibility efforts in the institution's programs and activities.
• Comprehensiveness of accessibility planning and evaluation and the integration of that planning into the overall vision of the organization.
• Communication of a vision that includes everyone.
• Evidence of advancing the organization above and beyond compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Demonstrated success in reaching goals and outcomes set for programs and strategies.
• Evidence of improvement and measurable change within a program.
• Adoption of collaborative practices across several units leading to improved participation by anyone with disabilities.
• Change in placement practices from self-contained resource services to comprehensive inclusive services.
• Extend increased understanding of the importance of inclusion and reasons that anyone should be provided accessibility and assistance.

Who is eligible:
All UM faculty and staff that meet the criteria are eligible for consideration.

Who may nominate:
Any faculty or staff member.

Nomination requirements:
Submit a letter of no more than two pages addressing why the nominee(s) meet(s) the award criteria.

Send nominations and documentation to:
Barb Seekins
Chair, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Team
Foreign Student and Scholar Services
219 Lommasson Center
243-6183