Committees, Studies & Research

Committees

Barrier-Free Access Committee (aka Access for Persons with Disabilities)

Chair: Wynne Stuart
The Committee on Access for Persons with Disabilities is charged with making recommendations for, and providing oversight to, projects designed to improve access for persons with disabilities to University programs and facilities.
Disability Advocacy & Action Committee

Chair: Sarah Cole
As a subcommittee of the Diversity Council, the purpose of this committee is to serve as a think-tank for improving access, in its broadest sense, at the University of Virginia.

Executive Committee on Digital Access (ECDA)
Co-Chairs: Catherine Spear and Melvin Mallory

Digital Accessibility Project – Workgroup of ECDA (DAP)
Interim Project Manager: Lori Kressin, 434-982-5784

Accessibility & Procurement – Workgroup of ECDA
Chair: Lori Kressin
This work group will examine how policies, procedures, and guidelines can better advise current and future vendors in providing greater compliance with accessibility standards at the point of purchase.
Report A Barrier Review Team

Report A Barrier (RAB) is an online tool allowing students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University to report barriers to access encountered while navigating the Grounds and its facilities, attending a UVA sponsored event, in the academic setting, or when accessing our online environment. The RAB Review Team is the group of individuals who respond to the barriers identified through this tool. Membership includes representatives from the Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, the Office of the Executive Vice President & Provost, Facilities Management, Parking & Transportation, Information Technology Services, Athletics, Intramural and Recreational Sports, and the Student Disability Access Center.

For more information: reportabarrier@virginia.edu

Studies, Research & Faculty Initiatives

Autism Pathways / UVA Center for Autism

The Curry School envisions combining resources to create a UVA Center for Autism, positioning UVA as a national leader in autism research, coordinated care, and teacher and clinical professional preparation.
Blue Trunk Foundation

Blue Trunk Foundation provides information about accessibility to make it easier for all people to travel regardless of age, disabilities, or health conditions. (Contact: Rupa Valdez, Assistant Professor Public Health Sciences Administration)

And on Facebook
Disability Studies Initiative

A group of faculty from across the university committed to exploring the social and cultural aspects of disability. (Contacts: Christopher Krentz, Associate Professor of English and ASL / Elizabeth Barnes, Associate Professor of Philosphy)
The Jaswal Lab

We study the cognitive and social processes underlying communication to better understand and support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. (Contact: Vikram Jaswal, Associate Professor of Psychology)

Short Term Research Currently Underway

Short Term Research Currently Underway

Researchers at UVA and Virginia Tech are working together to investigate differences in driving behavior between experienced drivers and new drivers with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The team is measuring driving performance in a simulator and in a research vehicle.

IRB-HSR #19577, PI: Daniel Cox, PhD
More information: Daniel J. Cox, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.
Professor, Departments of Psychiatry, Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology
Director, Center for Behavioral Medicine Research and Virginia Driving Safety Laboratory