Driessen receives Access Achievement Award

Michelle Driessen, the Department of Chemistry's general chemistry director, received an Access Achievement Award from the Office of Equity & Diversity's Disability Services. Driessen was honored for her work on behalf of people with disabilities at the University of Minnesota.

During a special recognition reception, Monday, October 11, Driessen's efforts were highlighted: "When Michelle Driessen and the Department of Chemistry decided to take their Introduction to Chemistry course out of the classroom and deliver it online, they were prepared to do whatever was necessary to make the course accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. Instead of rushing into the process with accessibility as an after-thought, Michelle consulted with Disability Services in the developmental stage. In addition to taking on the labor-intensive investment of videotaping her lectures, Michelle worked closely with Disability Services' Interpreting and Captioning Unit to ensure that each lecture was captioned. That was no small task. However, the end results mean that all students have access to this course."

Mari Magler, J.D., associate director for Disability Services Access Programs, also noted: "I have worked with Dr. Driessen on a few disability issues, and very much appreciate her value of inclusion and equity."