Harvard receives award for disabilities efforts

Ability Explosion presented Harvard with an award “in recognition of its commitment to accessibility, in particular, online learning and website design.” Lisa Coleman, chief diversity officer and special assistant to the president, accepted the honor on behalf of the university at a ceremony in Miami Beach that featured special guest speaker Actor Steve Guttenberg.

“Harvard strives everyday to make the community open and accessible to all.” Coleman said.  “We are working hard to break down barriers, and employ the latest technologies to enable individuals with disabilities gain full access to all the university has to offer.  Given the challenges associated with rapid increases in the use of information technology, I am delighted that Ability Explosion has recognized our continuing efforts and commitment.”

The Ability Explosion awards were presented to businesses, organizations, and individuals “who have been instrumental in creating awareness in the world about people living with disabilities, as well as providing opportunities and access where there was none before, through workplace employment and consumer access,” said R. David New, founder of Ability Explosion, a Miami-based organization created to bring awareness to people with disabilities.