Student Accessibility Services Recognized Two Staff Members as Outstanding Advocates

Provided PhotoNina Henderson (left), Accessibility Coordinator for OUZ, OUE, and eLearning and Dr. Deborah Dodson

The office of Student Accessibility Services awarded Dr. Deborah Dodson of the Ohio University Zanesville Campus and Jneanne Hacker of Housing and Residence Life with its 2018 Accessibility Ally Award because of their dedication toward inclusion and success of students with disabilities.

Both recipients received their awards and a celebratory lunch with Student Accessibility Services staff. Jneanne joined the Student Accessibility Services staff in their Athens office on May 8th, where she was awarded a commemorative plaque, followed by lunch at Chipotle. Dr. Dodson joined Nina Henderson, Accessibility Coordinator, along with Dr. Hannah Nissen, Dr. Dev Poling, and Christine Shaw from the Zanesville Campus for lunch on May 9th at Muddy Misers to receive her award.

Dr. Deborah Dodson is a Senior Lecturer of Biology on the Ohio University Zanesville campus. According to a nomination by one of Dr. Dodson’s student’s, “She has been flexible and tries to understand as much as possible…. She has accommodated me, provided information, and continues to encourage and motivate me to continue succeeding and attending school despite my disability.”

Jneanne Hacker is the Housing Director of Business and Conference Services and acts as a liaison between housing and Student Accessibility Services.

“Jneanne has always been our "go-to" for housing questions or housing accommodations, not just because it's part of her job, but because she is always incredibly helpful, insightful, and creative at coming up with solutions... When a housing accommodation is needed, she not only focuses on access, but also tries to identify what option will help the student be most successful,” said Christy Jenkins, Acting Associate Director with Student Accessibility Services.

The Accessibility Ally Award is an annual recognition awarded to individuals who demonstrate a high level of respect for all members of the university community, take on multiple perspectives to understand the impacts of disabilities, express flexibility and empathy with new issues, openly discusses disabilities and consult with Student Accessibility Services, and encourage full access through implementation of accommodations.

Last year’s recipients included MariaPaz Hermosilla (Learning Systems Analyst II, IT Support Services, Athens) and Robert Pleasant (Associate Director Student Resource Commons, Ohio University Southern).

A part of University College, Student Accessibility Services works to ensure equal opportunity and access for members of the Ohio University community. For more information, visit www.ohio.edu/uc/sas.

Provided PhotoChris Linscott, Alex Ecklund, Preston Silvey, Jennifer Romero, and Christy Jenkins honor Jneanne Hacker (right)