![Saying "thank you" to Senator John Mannion (center) for his support of the Office of Accessibility Resources are (left to right) Daneen Brooks, OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton, Mannion, Nancy Carr, and Jay Harrison.](/sites/default/files/styles/full_width_1228_/public/images/2022-07/HERO%20-%20Thank%20You%20Senator%20Mannion.jpg?itok=8C_YUHZy "Saying "thank you" to Senator John Mannion (center) for his support of the Office of Accessibility Resources are (left to right) Daneen Brooks, OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton, Mannion, Nancy Carr, and Jay Harrison.")
New York State Senator John Mannion (D-50) visited Onondaga Community College's Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) Monday, July 18 and was thanked for the support he provides the students who utilize services there. OAR serves approximately 1,700 students a year, ensuring those with disabilities have an equal opportunity in all aspects of the educational environment.
In the most recent New York State budget, Senator Mannion directed an additional $17,000 to OAR as part of "Enhancing Student Supports" legislation. The money will be used to provide students with an automatic door press to the testing center, and a UbiDuo which gives a deaf person the ability to speak with a hearing person and vice versa. "Senator Mannion's support is so appreciated. We're working hard to give our students the assistance they need, and this will really help our efforts," said Nancy Carr, Director of OAR who presented Senator Mannion with a thank you card signed by her 8-person staff.
Carr received an unexpected and pleasant surprise at the New York State Disability Service Council's recent gathering. When she went up to receive a Collaboration Award on behalf of now retired President Dr. Casey Crabill, Carr was also presented with the Service Award in recognition of the significant time and expertise she volunteers to the professional development of fellow members. "It was quite an honor. We hadn't met in-person in two-and-a-half years due to Covid. To see everybody in person again was definitely wonderful. I felt the award validated the work we did during difficult times."
During her tenure she has overseen constant and numerous changes, including the recent declaration of "Long Covid" as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Symptoms can include fatigue, mental fog, or the inability to do as much as in the past, any of which could lead to depression.
The Office of Accessibility Resources is located on the first floor of Coulter Hall in room C104. The office can be contacted by email oar@sunyocc.edu or phone (315) 498-2245.
