To better reflect Emory’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the university’s Office of Access, Disability Services and Resources has been renamed the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS).

The name change is in alignment with trends at colleges and universities across the country that address how “disability” is viewed, according to Lynell Cadray, vice provost in the Office of Equity and Inclusion and university Title IX coordinator.

“Rather than focusing on an individual’s disability, it is our goal to emphasize the notion of ‘access’ and ‘accessibility,’” says Cadray.

“The Office of Equity and Inclusion believes that when learning and workplace environments are accessible and barriers are removed, students and employees are more equipped for success,” she says. “This is our focus, this is our commitment and this is our mission.”

OAS is a division of the Office of Equity and Inclusion and will remain a resource for students, faculty and employees throughout the Emory enterprise. The office works to assist qualified individuals with obtaining a variety of services and ensures that matters of equal access, reasonable accommodation and compliance are addressed.

The division works collaboratively to support Emory entities toward the creation of working and learning environments that fully represent the university’s diversity while responding to the needs of the community.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion supports a shared vision and takes responsibility to ensure that curricular, informational and physical environments at the university are useable, sustainable and accessible.

“The newly renamed Office of Accessibility Services more accurately reflects our continued efforts to ensure that the university’s programs and services are accessible to the entire Emory community,” Cadray says.

“It is our hope that the name change invites and fosters a more inclusive environment that meets the needs of our community,” she adds.

To learn more about the OAS, call 404-727-9877 or view information online.