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| FAMU President James H. Ammons announced that October 15, as FAMU Disability Day. As part of his announcement, Ammons agreed to spend part of his day in a wheelchair, as part of a sensitivity activity to experience first hand how accessible FAMU’s campus is for those who must use a wheelchair. |
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida A&M University (FAMU) President James H. Ammons proclaimed today FAMU Disability Awareness Day.
“At Florida A&M University, we want to raise awareness throughout the campus community about the services offered for the disabled,” said Ammons. “Today, FAMU is proclaiming that it is committed to making sure those with disabilities receive a meaningful education on our campus.”
The proclamation comes as part of the nationally observed Disability Awareness Month and in recognition of FAMU’s commitment to maintaining an accessible campus for disabled students, faculty and staff.
Ammons and Cornelius Green, a student in the FAMU Center of Disability Accessibility and Resources (CeDAR), signed an official university proclamation making October 15 FAMU Disability Awareness Day.
“I just want to thank CeDAR for instilling a sense of confidence,” said Green. “Without them I'm not sure where I would be.
CeDAR provides counseling, academic accommodation, mobility, assistance technology based on the type of disability, technology for students to loan and has a summer program for incoming freshmen to get acclimated to the university for all students with disabilities.
William Adams, FAMU’s coordinator for Americans with FAMU Disability Act (ADA), said this proclamation had a special significance.
“Accessibility for the disabled is one of the things that as a diverse institution, we must strive to maintain,” said Adams. “We should highlight the inclusive facilities we have and show the disabled support from their community.”
According to Carrie Gavin, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, FAMU's goal is to be responsive to everyone.
“The month of October is recognized as Disability Awareness Month,” said Gavin. “However, we would like the entire Tallahassee community to know that Florida A&M University is committed to inclusiveness every day of the year. We are spotlighting disability awareness today and throughout the month; but our ultimate goal is to be responsible and respectful, at all times, to all groups on our campus.”
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