DRES Receives Accessibility Award
The Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and Timothy J. Nugent Hall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have
received the 2012 Barrier-Free America Award from Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Tanya Gallagher, Dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences,
accepted the award at PVA’s Americana Gala in Washington, DC, on October 2.
As the service unit of the College of Applied Health Sciences, DRES provides both academic and non-academic support services to more than 1000 students
with visible and non-visible disabilities each year. Founded in 1948 by Dr. Timothy Nugent, it was the first post-secondary support program for students with
disabilities and contributed many “firsts” in the area of accessibility: curb cuts, fixed-route buses with wheelchair lifts, ramps, and architectural accessibility
standards that became the foundation for those of the American National Standards Institute.
The University of Illinois also was the first institution of higher education to offer residential services to students with disabilities who require assistance
with the activities of daily living. Beckwith Residential Support Services, as the program is known, is now housed in Timothy J. Nugent Hall, a cooperative
effort of DRES and University Housing. Opened in 2010, Nugent Hall features several private sleep/study rooms with shared baths, equipped with a remote-controlled
ceiling lift system, sensor-controlled light switches and keyless entry systems, and adjustable furniture. The residence hall also offers accessible elevators, wide hallways,
a voice recognition computer lab, and a dining hall with wheelchair-friendly lower counter heights.
“At Illinois, we have always focused on the needs of each individual student, and on his or her ability to be self-determining,” said Dr. Brad Hedrick, the current
Director of DRES. “Since Dr. Nugent was inspired to create DRES to give World War II veterans with disabilities equal access to the world-class education offered by Illinois,
it is a special honor to have our efforts recognized by the Paralyzed Veterans of America.”
The Barrier-Free America Award was established in 2001 to recognize individuals who have made a significant difference in breaking down the physical barriers that people
with disabilities face every day. Mark Licther, Architecture Director of the PVA, said he was impressed by the exemplary accessibility of the University of Illinois campus
and Nugent Hall. “The work that the DRES program has done for accessibility over the decades speaks volumes,” he said. “We have heard first hand that every
effort is made to make sure the campus, its programs, and its academics are as inclusive as possible.”
Founded in 1946, the Paralyzed Veterans of America advocates for accessibility. Its Architecture Program develops guidelines, codes, and standards, and works with other
architects to help them achieve full accessibility in their designs.