Michigan Technological University Athletics and Recreation was honored with Accessibility Awards last week at the inaugural Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit.
As reported by Jack Hall of the Radio Results Network, aquatics manager Ann Bengry received an individual award for her work overseeing the addition of accessible steps in the Student Development Complex's lap pool, as well as starting an adaptive swimming group. Since arriving at Tech in 2020, Bengry has been able to make the locker rooms and pool deck accessible for all members of the student body and community, Hall reported.
The staff within Michigan Tech's Student Development Complex was honored for the progress made in recent years to make the SDC more welcoming for everyone. Trails operation coordinator Brian Isaksson was recognized for adjusting the plowing and grooming at the Tech Trails to make it easier for those needing adaptive sit skis to use the trails. Custodian Derek Butkovich received acknowledgment for his early morning work in the winter, making sure the parking lot and entrance to the SDC are free of snow to make the building accessible to all. Senior associate athletic director Joel Isaacson was honored for providing space within the SDC for adaptive sports activities such as a community sled hockey event.
UPAS Accessibility Awards pay tribute and recognize businesses, organizations, local units of government, projects and individuals in and around Houghton, Mich., community who have made the Copper Country more accessible.
The inaugural Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit took place Sept. 26-27 at Michigan Tech's Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. It was put on by the Accessible Keweenaw Initiative, a coalition of community organizations and subject matter experts. The summit included panels featuring individuals with disabilities discussing their lived experiences, as well as building standards, universal design and living with autism. Robin Jones, director of the Great Lakes Americans with Disabilities Act Center in Chicago, served as keynote speaker.
