University of Pittsburgh
09/16/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2025 11:30
Nominate faculty and staff accessibility champions through Sept. 26
Nominate faculty and staff accessibility champions through Sept. 26
September 16, 2025
A panther state in front of William Pitt Union
Nominations are now open across all of Pitt's campuses for the second-annual Advocating Campus Change for Equitable and Supportive Solutions (ACCESS) Awards, which recognize faculty and staff who demonstrate a commitment to championing the disabled community.
The award, created in 2024, recognizes University employees who demonstrate exceptional efforts to create an accessible and welcoming campus experience and environment for individuals with disabilities, said Leigh Culley (EDUC '02G), interim assistant vice chancellor for accessibility and director of Disability Resources and Services.
"During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we want to celebrate leaders of accessibility - faculty and staff who serve as advocates, innovators and mentors to empower people with disabilities, lower barriers to education and employment, and drive change throughout the University," Culley said.
The inaugural ACCESS Award was presented to Tom Armstrong, a recruiter for Pitt's Office of Human Resources. Due to an overwhelming number of worthy candidates, Culley says, two people will be honored this year.
One employee will be recognized for their contributions to the workplace environment for fellow employees with disabilities, while another will be recognized for their contributions to the student experience for students with disabilities.
The deadline for nominations is Sept. 26, and winners will be honored during a ceremony in late October. Find complete rules and the entry form.
University of Pittsburgh published this content on September 16, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 16, 2025 at 17:30 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]