The ACCESS (Advocating Campus Change for Equitable and Supportive Solutions) award recognizes employees who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to creating an accessible and welcoming campus experience and/or environment for individuals with disabilities. Through advocacy, innovation, mentorship, and leadership, recipients of this award help ensure that all University community members, regardless of ability, can thrive and fully contribute to our mission.
As part of our programming for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Disability Resources and Services will be awarding the annual ACCESS awards during the month of October.
During October 2024, DRS gave out its first-ever ACCESS Award to Tom Armstrong, diversity recruiting and transition consultant in the Office of Human Resources.
Who We Celebrate
ACCESS Award recipients are champions of:
- Advocacy: Elevating the voices and rights of individuals with disabilities
- Innovation: Finding creative solutions to remove barriers and enhance inclusion
- Mentorship: Guiding and empowering others to reach their full potential
- Leadership: Driving systemic change that cultivates a more accessible campus culture
Whether through quiet acts of support or transformative organizational change, these employees set the standard for what it means to build a truly inclusive workplace.
Why It Matters
An accessible environment benefits everyone. By recognizing those who lead this work with compassion, courage, and commitment, the ACCESS Award shines a light on the values that make our community stronger, more connected, and more just.
Nominate a Campus Champion
For the 2025 Season, there will be two recipients of the ACCESS award.
- One employee will be recognized for their contributions to the workplace environment for fellow employees with disabilities.
- One employee will be recognized for their contributions to the student experience for students with disabilities.
You are invited to nominate someone you think deserves this recognition. Only employees (faculty and staff) are eligible to be nominated, but any Pitt community member (faculty, staff, and students) are welcome to submit the nomination form.
Criteria
Award recipients are selected based on the following criteria:
- Commitment to Accessibility
- Leadership in Promoting Disability Inclusion
- Mentorship & Support of Individuals with Disabilities
- Measurable Contributions & Impact
Eligibility
- Must be a Pitt employee
- Nomination must be submitted by a member of the Pitt community
- Last year’s winner(s) are not eligible
- Self-nominations are accepted
Nomination Process and Deadline
- The nomination window will open September 2025
- The deadline for nominations will be Friday, September 26, 2025, 11:59PM EST
- Award recipients will be announced October 2025
- Questions? Contact Disability Resources and Services at (412) 648-7890 or drsrecep@pitt.edu