Working toward policy change across key areas like voting rights, housing, health care and labor. Ensuring those with disabilities are not only heard but actively valued. Facilitating access to health care for deaf patients through the medical interpreters program. Designing architectural solutions to improve building access. Creating a youth summer camp where medical care and accessibility are built in.

These are a few examples of the work celebrated by the University of Michigan’s James T. Neubacher Award, for which nominations are now being sought.

The nominating deadline for the 35th annual award is Aug. 8.

Established by the university’s Council for Disability Concerns in October 1990, the award is a memorial to James T. Neubacher, a university alumnus and columnist for the Detroit Free Press who advocated for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. The James T. Neubacher Award is presented to a U-M faculty or staff member, student, or alumnus or alumna for significant achievements in:

• Empowering people with disabilities.
• Advocating for or advancing disability rights or disability justice.
• Increasing the accessibility of programs and services to promote disability inclusion.

The award is supported by the Office of the President, the U-M Council for Disability Concerns, University Human Resources, and Michigan Medicine.