Campus Connection

[caption id="attachment_10061" align="alignnone" width="770" caption="UW-L students in Exercise and Sport Science learn about disabilities through disability awareness activities such as wheelchair basketball tournaments. Staff, too, work hard to better understand inclusion, says Exercise and Sport Science Professor Garth Tymeson. That commitment has paid off. Students with disabilities vote each year on the most accessible department, faculty and staff. UW-L's Exercise and Sport Science Department was this year's top department."][/caption] A UW-L student organization will honor faculty, staff and a campus department for helping students with disabilities. Students Advocating Potential Ability has named these winners of the Most Accessible Awards for 2011: • Most Accessible Faculty: Professor, David Reineke, Mathematics, and Lecturer Daniel Widuch, Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation • Most Accessible Department: Exercise and Sport Science • Most Accommodating Staff: Rebecca Lee, a University Services Associate in the Counseling and Testing Office The winners will be honored at the 29th annual Most Accessible Awards Ceremony at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. Associate Professor Patricia Ardovino, Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation, will speak about veterans returning to school. This event is sponsored by SAPA, a group of UW-L students committed to promoting the awareness of disability issues on campus; Disability Resource Services; and Student Support Services. Here are some of the comments written by students about those earning awards: • David Reineke — "He went above and beyond to make sure the classroom, office and services were accessible for all students. He was understanding in every aspect, not just my need for alternative test methods but all aspects of the class. He also didn't make me feel embarrassed to give him the forms for alternative testing methods." • Daniel Widuch — "I was ashamed and reluctant to admit my need for accommodations in college. I refused all accommodations until my junior year when adviser/professor Dan encouraged me as a non-traditional student with a disability to accept the help Disability Resource Services offered. If I would have had a professor like Dan reach out to me earlier in my academic career I would not have taken time off from school and put my grades at risk just because of the stigma that ‘disability’ carries." • Exercise and Sport Science Department — "All of the teachers that I work with in this department are very open and understanding about my disability. I am easily able to find them during office hours or even if they aren't around during office hours. They are very flexible with exam times and what I need to take the exams. They are easy to get a hold of and really care that I have what it takes for me to do well." • Rebecca Lee — "She is always so helpful and she is a great listener. Whenever I go in, she always talks to me and asks me how my day is. Rebecca will always ask me if I need something while I am waiting." If you go— What: 29th annual Most Accessible Awards Ceremony When: 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27 Where: Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition Admission: Free