On Thursday May 23th, 2019 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) in partnership with the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, the City of Windsor and the Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee presented the 4th Windsor-Essex Accessibility Awards. The annual event recognizes individuals, organizations and businesses who have made a difference in creating a more accessible community for people with disabilities, acquired brain injuries and seniors.
Windsor Law’s Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, Laverne Jacobs, received the Outstanding Individual Award at the ceremony, which was held at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. “I am extremely honoured to be recognized by the community in this way,” says Dr. Jacobs. “It’s exciting to learn that my research and collaborative efforts are contributing to building a more inclusive and accessible community in Windsor-Essex County.”
Windsor Law Dean Christopher Waters was among the nominators. “Dr. Jacobs’ publicly engaged scholarship and advocacy has made her a leading thinker nationally on the rights of persons with disabilities,” says Dean Waters. “It is wonderful to see her recognized in our own community as well.”
Dr. Jacobs joined Windsor’s Faculty of Law in 2007. She is a recognized administrative law scholar with an interest in social equality, disability rights and human rights law. She has conducted research on topics such as transportation inequalities for people with disabilities, accessibility legislation and legal aid for people with disabilities. She directs a research and public policy initiative called the Law, Disability and Social Change Project at Windsor Law.
Earlier that day, Dr. Jacobs organized the inaugural Southwestern Ontario Disability Scholars Workshop on campus, which brought together scholars from universities in the region to discuss research respecting people with disabilities from interdisciplinary perspectives.