Rachel Cavanagh Executive Assistant to the Chief Deputy and the President | Stony Brook University
Rachel Cavanagh Executive Assistant to the Chief Deputy and the President | Stony Brook University
Every October, the U.S. Department of Labor highlights National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year's theme is "Ensuring Access to Good Jobs for All." At Stony Brook University, the fifth annual NDEAM will include a series of programs to promote understanding and responsibility for an accessible university. These events are co-sponsored by several organizations, including the Office of Equity & Access (OEA), the Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Stony Brook Medicine, and Healthier U.
One session, facilitated by Nicholas Lajoie and Robert Petrik from SASC, will focus on accessible event planning. Participants will learn about tools and resources to make events accessible for students with disabilities. Another session led by Cathrine Duffy from Healthier U will introduce Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a practice known for reducing anxiety and depression while improving cognitive function.
Melanie Whetzel from the Job Accommodation Network will discuss accommodating cognitive and neurological disabilities in the workplace. The workshop aims to address unique considerations such as medical documentation, safety standards, and confidentiality.
Lynn Alba from Stony Brook Medicine and Elizabeth Haft from SASC will facilitate a workshop on accessibility's role in inclusion and diversity. The session will cover legislation promoting employment for people with disabilities.
Kelly Dugan from the Creativity, Technology, and Innovation College Division of Undergraduate Education will teach participants how to create inclusive learning environments using Universal Design for Learning principles.
A session by Alexis Rodgers from EAP focuses on hidden disabilities like neurological disorders or mental health issues. It emphasizes building an inclusive work environment through awareness.
Finally, Karin Martinsen and Natalie Mertens from OEA will guide participants on accommodation requests under ADA guidelines at Stony Brook University.
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