Disability CNG
Welcome!
Who we are:
The Cornell University Disability Colleague Network Group is a university-sponsored employee resource group. Our mission is to raise awareness, serve as an educational resource, provide support, and offer peer mentorship for those working with short-term or long-term disabilities - their supervisors, colleagues, allies, and other supporters. Through both disseminating disability-related information and resources via various campus communication mechanisms, and networking opportunities, we hope to increase the work/life balance, recruitment and retention of faculty and staff with disabilities.
What we do:
Our group has monthly opportunities to come together informally. We also come together monthly for a meeting which usually features a presentation or facilitated discussion around a topic of significance for the Cornell staff/faculty disability community. We network with other groups both internal and external to Cornell, and organize opportunities to support our community. We also identify opportunities for staff and faculty with disabilities to engage with University leaders in efforts to create a more positive campus climate, and enhance workplace inclusion, for our community.
Events & Activities
Join the DCNG mailing list to stay updated on any date changes or cancelations!
First Thursday Coffee Chats
We meet virtually on the first Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m. and offer space for people to informally connect with one another.
Zoom link: Join our coffee chats HERE!
Third Thursday Discussions
On the third Thursday of each month, we will have focused discussions on specific topics of interest, also via Zoom. These may include a guest speaker, or be on a topic raised by the membership.
Zoom link: Join our discussions HERE!
Meet Our Board
Andrea Haenlin-Mott
(Co-Lead and ADA Coordinator Team Representative)
Hi, I am Andrea Haenlin-Mott and I have been with the University since 1995 and I am currently the ADA Coordinator for Facilities and Campus Services, within the Office of the University Architect. As a person who has used a wheelchair for over 30 years, I bring the perspective of inclusion of people with obvious and non-obvious disabilities and facilitating a culture that includes all perspectives of what “accessibility” is. The work that we do on campus to make our facilities and campus more physically accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act is the first step, it’s our culture of inclusion and program accessibility that we are continually striving to improve. Accessible programs, services, and activities are key to making Cornell University inclusive not only diverse. I have participated on the Employee Assembly as the Disability Representative and Executive Vice Chair and Chair and for several years on the University Assembly and as Executive Vice Chair. I am pleased to be part of the Disability Colleague Network Group and am pleased to be able to share resources and perspectives both personal and professional with colleagues and learn from them as well!
Jenni Royer-Barnett (Co-Lead)
My name is Jenni Royer-Barnett and I have been with the University since 2021. I am currently a Project Coordinator with The School of Industrial and Labor Relations' Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. Prior to coming to Cornell, I worked as a Project Manager at local woman-owned small business in Ithaca. Prior to that, I received my Master’s in Public Administration while working at the Broome County government offices as a Legislative Clerk. I live locally with my husband who owns his own small business and our 3 dogs. I have several chronic disorders and I am interested in how persons with chronic health conditions manage their work/life balance. I also seek to connect my YTI colleagues' expertise in disability services to staff across campus who can benefit from that knowledge. Please reach out with any questions or to talk (jkr68). I am always happy to connect with DCNG Members about any ideas or concerns!
Stephanie Resue (Employee Assembly Representative)
Stephanie joined Cornell University’s Central Career Services office in 2023 focusing on data, assessment, and system’s needs. Before moving into this role, she worked for over 9 years as the Assistant Director of Admissions in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) Office of Admissions, also at Cornell. She recruited and admitted students to both the undergraduate and graduate programs in AAP. She was also the primary advisor for the student ambassador group in AAP where she advised current students on a variety of skills including working as a team and how to manage competing priorities. While in AAP, she was part of the DEI Committee that included staff, faculty, and student members. In her current role, she serves as the Disability Representative At-Large on the Employee Assembly and as the Employee Assembly representative for the University Assembly. She also serves on the Central Career Services DEI Committee and is a liaison to the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life, Gender Equity Resource Center, the Office of Institutional and Research Planning, and the Office of Institutional Equity and Title XI.
Stephanie grew up just outside of Binghamton NY and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Alfred University. As a First-Generation College student, she was the first in her family to complete both an undergraduate and graduate education. Outside of work, Stephanie’s passions are riding horses, working out and spending time with her family and two Shiba Inus.
Emma Cruz (Member-at-Large)
My name is Emma Cruz, and I am a Member at Large for the Disability Colleague Network Group. I serve as the Case Manager for the Cornell Office of Civil Rights. Prior to coming to Cornell, I received my Master's Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from SUNY Buffalo State. I have been working in Higher Education for more than 10 years! I grew up in the area and currently live with my partner and two cats, Paisley and Rue. On the weekends, you can find me with my family at the Farmers Market! As an individual with Cerebral Palsy, I am constantly wanting to learn more about the accessibility issues that the Ithaca community faces and how I can advocate for my fellow community members! Please feel free to reach out if you need assistance or just want to talk. My email is ejc239@cornell.edu
Anais Baez (Member-at-Large)
My name is Anais Baez, and I serve as a Member-at-Large on the DCNG Executive Board. I work at Cornell Tech in New York City as part of the Administrative Support Team. Since joining the Cornell community in 2022, I’ve had the pleasure of supporting students, faculty, and staff across a wide range of needs. I currently assist departments such as Information Systems and Enrollment and Admissions, as well as several Tech faculty members. I am also involved in the Tech Staff Engagement and Belonging Committee and Big Red Toastmasters.
As a board member, I’m excited to connect with colleagues across the Cornell network to offer support, share experiences, foster belonging, and celebrate our community’s diversity. I am also happy to help facilitate virtual connections for the CNG. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Disability Services in Higher Education at CUNY SPS. Please feel free to reach out to me at ab2778@cornell.edu.
Resources
The Disability Information website provides detailed information and resources to promote an accessible, usable and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors with disabilities, including an accessibility map, event planning guide, and emergency planning.
Campus Accessibility Map: including accessible routes, entrances and parking
Need help with website accessibility? Contact web-accessibility@cornell.edu
Past Sessions
Below you will find a copy of past "Time To Talk" presentations, as well as links to session recordings and materials when available.
Newsletters
September-December 2025 Newsletter: https://cornell.box.com/s/3209sr5bzc8kyb5zd7ry73f3yid1mh27
Feb/March 2025 Newsletter: https://cornell.box.com/s/gd3mapfxdq6tg4ztbnx8wd6xrkkja3mc
March/April 2024 Newsletter: https://cornell.box.com/s/8okdpoh37qt40znfhqtw0sb051vnh2q5
June/July 2024 Newsletter: https://cornell.box.com/s/snk3mk71dewqia09nlh96e24vqs74ge5
October-December 2024 Newsletter: https://cornell.box.com/s/snk3mk71dewqia09nlh96e24vqs74ge5
October 2023 Newsletter: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:29881a7e-46c9-391b-86bb-50d01852c800
December/January 2023 Newsletter: https://cornell.box.com/s/p1vo1xixq1xeo6a8dy9gpaj0kowrgj4h