Our Mission: 

The 91°µÍø Employees with Disabilities Association (EWDA) fosters a community of education, advocacy, and connectedness among faculty and staff, regardless of disability status, to address shared challenges, promote inclusivity, and enhance accessibility across the university. 

Our Vision:

The Employees with Disabilities Association (EWDA) was established in January 2019 to support the needs and interests of employees with disabilities or different abilities at 91°µÍø. The Association shall promote the concerns of the University's employees with disabilities and serve as a voice for this constituency. EWDA aims to create a campus culture where all employees and students with disabilities thrive in an equitable, supportive, and accessible environment, enriched by shared learning and collaboration.

Employees with Disabilities Association

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Objectives of EWDA

  • Advocacy and Accessibility: Collaborate with HR and Facilities Management to address workplace accessibility concerns and improve resources for employees with disabilities.
  • Events and Education: Organize workshops, panels, and social events that raise awareness and educate the campus community on disability-related topics.
  • Mentoring Program: Develop and manage a mentoring program where EWDA members support and guide students with disabilities, fostering their academic success, progression to graduation, and preparation for a confident and successful career.
  • Communications: Establish and maintain effective outreach, including a social media presence, newsletters, and other channels, to connect with current and prospective members.
  • Membership Growth: Encourage participation from diverse faculty and staff members, emphasizing the group’s inclusivity and no-cost membership policy.

Committee Goals

  • Conduct biannual reviews of campus accessibility in partnership with Facilities Management.

  • Develop a feedback system for members to report workplace concerns.

  • Advocate for inclusive policies and practices with HR and university leadership.

  • Host at least two events per semester, including workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.

  • Collaborate with external organizations or guest speakers to bring diverse perspectives to campus events.

  • Pair faculty/staff mentors with students each semester.

  • Provide training sessions for mentors to ensure effective and supportive relationships.

  • Evaluate the mentoring program annually to assess impact and areas for improvement.

  • Maintain an active social media presence with weekly updates and engagement.

  • Publish a newsletter once per semester highlighting member achievements, upcoming events, and resources.

  • Design and distribute promotional materials to increase awareness of EWDA.

Upcoming Meetings

Our first general body meeting of 2025 will take place on Tuesday, February 25th 12:30 - 1:30 PM in-person at the Webb Center, Isle of Wight Room as well as on Zoom. 

Please register below to become a member and receive additional information.