ADA Anniversary and New Accessibility Committee

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, who called it “the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.” As the nation marks the 30th anniversary of this landmark civil rights legislation, NOVA is advancing its commitment to equal access to employment and educational opportunities for persons with disabilities by establishing a College Accessibility Committee.

The Accessibility Committee is charged with creating an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment to facilitate access and involvement for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Accessibility Committee will monitor College services, programs, activities and facilities to identify, prevent and eliminate physical and/or programmatic barriers that interfere with student, faculty, staff and visitor access to College programs, facilities and resources.

Faculty, staff and student committee members will be nominated by the College Senate. In addition, representatives from Facilities, IT, Student Services and Event Services will be invited to participate. The committee will be co-chaired by Donna Patchett, ADA specialist and Joan Ehrlich, director of disability support services for students. Questions, comments and suggestions can be sent to ada@nvcc.edu.