In 1945 Congress established “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week”.  In 1988 the week became the entire month of October and was renamed, ” “National Disability Awareness Month”.  Two years later the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush.  For many people with disabilities this provided much needed protection against discrimination in employment and access to education.  To read more about the history of disability rights in employment click here.  For laws related to disability rights check out the “Guide to Disability Rights Laws” from ADA.Gov

Ohio State will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by exploring the theme “Claiming Our Space in the Ohio State Mosaic!” You’re invited to join your Ohio State colleagues for an inaugural reception from 5:30-7 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the Ohio Union Great Hall Meeting Rooms in Columbus.

The reception will include special remarks by TyKiah Wright, founder-CEO of WrightChoice Inc. Wright is a local thought leader and nationally renowned trailblazer and advocate who is committed to diversity and developing the next generation workforce through internship placement and professional development training.

The reception will also include live performances by Blue Spectrum and by spoken word artist and Ohio State alumnus Quartez Harris.

The reception will launch a yearlong celebration of the historic legislation that provided civil rights to individuals with disabilities. The reception and the 25th anniversary ADA initiative will create an opportunity to explore the narratives of individuals with disabilities at Ohio State and how they help shape the campus climate and culture, adding to the mosaic of our diverse community.

Click here for a link to add the reception to your calendar. For more information about the reception or becoming involved with it, contact Katherine Betts at betts.128@osu.edu.

The reception and celebration are being sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator’s Office, the Student Life Multicultural Center, and the campus-wide 25th ADA Anniversary Planning Committee.

The mini grant program was introduced to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) in 2012 and is funded by the college. All faculty, staff, and student/s are eligible to apply.  For more information and to complete the application click here.

2015-2016 CFAES Equity and Inclusion Mini Grants

The CFAES Office of Equity and Inclusion is happy to be able to support another round of mini-grants. Mini grant funds will support collaborative efforts between teams, individuals, or student groups with new projects or ideas that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in CFAES and the campus community Proposed efforts should be consistent with the missions of Ohio State University and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Up to $2,500 in direct costs for one year and used by the end of June 30, 2016. Unused funds must be returned. Funds cannot be used for salaries, fringes, or work that would otherwise occur.

Grants are due on October 30 by 5:00pm. To review the guidelines and access the application click here.

As many of you are aware, with the passing of the 2014 Farm Bill, Central State University is now recognized as a 1890 Land-grant University. This recognition will open many doors for not only the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences but also for colleagues across the university. Please consider attending the October 14 presentation here in Columbus or the one at Central State on October 15. Click here for details.

CFAES Office of  Equity and Inclusion invites you to join us as we travel on Thursday, October 15  to the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center and Young’s Jersey Dairy!   The trip is free for faculty, staff, and students of the colelge  but you must pre-register on-line.  Trip includes breakfast and lunch.

We will depart Ag. Admin at 9:00 and return by 5:30 pm. Free to CFAES faculty, staff or students. You must register here.