Guest post by Sheila J. Bryant, PACDI Chair, President’s Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (PACDI)

Michigan State University is a leader in cultivating a diverse and inclusive campus environment. During October we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month which focuses on “the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents,” according to the Office of Disability Employment Policy. This years’ theme, America’s Workforce: Empowering All, fits right in with the university’s core value of Inclusiveness. It is of the utmost importance that the “university community is one that welcomes the contribution of all its members”.

It is important for everyone to have access to what he or she needs to succeed in the workplace. When one person succeeds, we all succeed. One way we accomplish this here at MSU is via the President’s Advisory Committee on Disability Issues (PACDI). Since 1987, this committee, comprised of faculty, staff, and students from various departments across campus, meets to familiarize themselves with and discuss “university policies, programs, and procedures affecting persons with disabilities”.

The PACDI has been a major force in gathering and presenting information that has influenced the implementation of programs and facilities to assist employees and students with disabilities on campus. One PACDI member served as the lead instructor for the freshman seminar course, Disability in Society, Education and Pop Culture. Additionally, the PACDI met with the Athletic Department to discuss installing accessible seating in the student section of Spartan Stadium. You can learn more about PACDI here.