Committees and Workgroups

Disability Access and Inclusion Council
The Disability Access and Inclusion Council was charged by the Chancellor to lead the effort to dismantle structural ableism at Syracuse University.

In the spirit of Nothing About Us Without Us, the vision of the Disability Access and Inclusion Council is to bring disability from the periphery to the center of our community’s commitment to experiencing belonging.

As people with and without disabilities and with multiple identities, the Disability Access and Inclusion Council is committed to on-going learning, not making assumptions, seeking new ideas, building partnerships, being allies with all of those who live with marginalized identities, and embracing Universal Design, as we collaboratively advance the lived experience of all with disabilities. The DAIC will facilitate the ongoing observance and practice of the Syracuse University Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s Core Values and Guiding Principles — of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The DAIC meets monthly to discuss policy initiatives, process changes, community and resource development, current activities occurring on campus that may have a broader impact on people with disabilities, to implement the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan, and to develop and implement disability community service priorities. We will carry out this charge with a sense of urgency embracing and drawing upon the Syracuse University Office of Diversity and Inclusion Guiding Principles (below) to uplift the University’s disability awareness:

  1. We will enhance dialogue and actions to foster greater understanding and appreciation for the lived experiences of others.
  2. We will nurture and support a richly diverse campus community at all levels.
  3. We will advise the Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion on continuing education of students, faculty, and staff to support inclusive excellence and social justice.
  4. We will support the advancement of inclusive practices via curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities.
  5. We will create and develop new methods to improve access and retention of underrepresented students, staff, and faculty.

The Disability Access and Inclusion Council is comprised of University staff, faculty, and student leaders with and without disabilities. These members strongly advocate for disability inclusion, rights, and justice, and have key executive and leadership responsibilities in our University. These members represent strategic areas of operation.

2021-2022 Member List:

  • Rahmin Azria
  • Rusty Bartels
  • Eboni Britt
  • Colleen Cameron
  • Cynthia Carnahan
  • Jenny Gluck
  • Ellen de Graffenreid
  • Mary Pat Grzymala
  • Huey Hsiao
  • Gillian Kanter
  • Kenneth Mayes
  • Beth Myers
  • William Myhill (Co-Chair)
  • Terra Peckskamp
  • Paula Possenti-Perez (Co-Chair)
  • Beth Prieve
  • Kira Reed
  • Melissa Reider
  • Katie Scanlon
  • Nicole C Westerdahl
  • Alexis Wilner
  • Stacey White
  • Joe Alfieri
  • Dana Broadnax
  • Kelly Campbell
  • Martha Diede
  • James Duah-Agyeman
  • Pamela Gavenda
  • Maurice Harris
  • James McLellan
  • Bridget O'Bernstein
  • Joey Pagano
  • John Rossiter
  • Kal Srinivas
  • Cory Wallack

University Senate Committees