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| Vol. 19, No. 5 | Sept. 30, 1999 |
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| Vol. 19, No. 5 | Sept. 30, 1999 |
As UD's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator, Debbie Farris coordinates all programs and services for students, employees and campus visitors with documented disabilities.
"I educate faculty and staff on disability accommodations and access to UD's programs and services," Farris said. "I also coordinate with facilities personnel about plans for renovations and new construction, to insure the University is in compliance with ADA regulations. In general, I act as a campus advocate for people with disabilities, which can be both visible and hidden to help eliminate the physical, technical and attitudinal barriers that limit their range of available opportunities."
She also advises University staff about ADA requirements and keeps up-to-date on regulations and legislative changes. She meets with students, employees and visitors to verify ADA eligibility and determines reasonable accommodations as needed. Farris said she also keeps current on changes in technology and, in particular, how it relates to disability issues.
Farris, who has been in her current post since February, said the ADA is constantly changing, as well as being challenged. Her goal is to keep informed on current and ongoing ADA issues and to act as an advocate for persons with disabilities who study and visit the UD campus environment. She also is a resource for those who may have questions about disabilities-related concerns or issues.
But, she said, the relevance of her position and results of her work also affect those without disabilities or the "temporary disabled."
"My position is important to insure that UD is in compliance with federal and state laws and statutes," she said, "and to serve as an educational resource. On campus, as in the general population, there are people with visible and hidden disabilities who need assistance in order to access UD programs, events and services. Their disabilities can be visual, mobile, neurological, psychological or related to speech, hearing and more. People with disabilities have contact with us each day, and we all should be aware of their needs and where to send them if they inquire about assistance.
"I also spend time working outside my office, in other areas or units on campus, including outreach centers," she said, "and I appreciate all the help different departments provide, because I can't be all places at all times."
Farris worked at UD from 1987-1990 as an administrative coordinator in the Office of the Dean of Students.
At that time, her duties included working with students with disabilities and counseling those involved in the judicial system.
Before coming to UD, she was an academic counselor in the California Community College system and an academic adviser and ADA coordinator at Cecil Community College in Maryland.
She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from California State College and her master's degree in guidance and personnel services from Memphis State University. She also is certified to teach special education classes.
Farris is available to any member of the campus community who has questions about disabilities or issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA office is located at 51 East Main St.; telephone, 831-3670; fax, 831-3261; e-mail, <dfarris@udel.edu>; and TTY, 831-4563.
For assistance with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hearing disorder (ADHD), contact the Academic Services Center at 831-1639.
-Ed Okonowicz
