Campus Forum Launches ‘Inclusive Excellence’
At the end of concession stands at the Kohl Center, a section of the counter is lowered to make ordering and picking up food possible for people who use wheelchairs.
But children like using the lower counters, and they’re still accessible to anyone else who wants to order there, Cathy Trueba, director of the McBurney Disability Resource Center told a campus forum on diversity on October 8.
The value of such an inclusive approach can be seen not only in the Kohl Center, but in the classroom, too, she said.
“Not everyone can use the high (counter), but everybody can use the low,” Trueba said. “When universal design works, it works well for all of us.”
Blending inclusiveness with excellence is part of UW–Madison’s effort to move forward and build on the legacy of Plan 2008, the university’ 10-year diversity plan that ended last year.
About 600 people registered for the all-day forum at the Memorial Union on the theme of “Seeding Inclusive Excellence.”
More precise plans for advancing the goals for diversity will evolve over a year of activity and input. Inclusive Excellence has important connections and links to the new campus strategic framework, the recent reaccreditation process and the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates.
Damon Williams, vice provost for diversity and climate, told the forum attendees that Plan 2008’s focus on racial equity will be part of the plans going forward.