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.
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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!
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Meet Our Board
Ashlee Cherry (Co-Lead)
Hello! My name is Ashlee Cherry and I’m a Co-Lead for the Disability Colleague Network Group. I’m currently the Undergraduate Program Coordinator for the Department of Communication in the College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS). In this role, I’m responsible for coordinating all “COMM” classes and the academic and personal well-being of our undergraduate students. Prior to coming to Cornell in summer 2021 with my wife and two cats, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science & Ecology and then worked in the banking industry for three years. I also sit on the SIPS Diversity & Inclusion Council, focusing primarily on the disability working group. As a queer woman with ADHD, I have a passion for exploring how ADHD impacts various marginalized communities, and how it looks different from what we are taught ADHD “looks” like. I’m also big on mental health, having struggled myself for years and coming out the other side. Please reach out if you need help, or just someone to talk to (ac2396@cornell.edu). I’m so excited to work with the other D-CNG leaders and members to create a safe and welcoming space for ALL Cornell employees!
Jenni Royer-Barnett (Co-Lead)
My name is Jenni Royer-Barnett and I am a Co-Lead for the Disability Colleague Network Group. I am currently a Project Coordinator with the Industry and Labor Relations Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. Prior to coming to Cornell, I received my Masters in Public Administration and worked as a Project Manager at local business and in county government as a Legislative Clerk. I live locally with my husband who owns his own small business. I have several Chronic Disorders. I am interested in how persons with Chronic Disorders manage their work/life balance, as well as how to connect my colleagues from the Yang-Tan Institute to other departments managing disability services for their staff. Please reach out with any questions or to talk (jkr68). I am excited to help coordinate DCNG activities!
Emma Cruz (Media & Outreach Lead)
My name is Emma Cruz, and I am the Media & Outreach Lead for the Disability Colleague Network Group. I serve as the Undergraduate Housing Coordinator in the Division of Student and Campus Life. I am responsible for the housing assignments for upper-level students, and cooperative housing, and work closely with Student Disability Services to make sure students are in spaces that meet their access needs. 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 Residential Life for almost about eight years! I grew up in the area and currently live with my two cats, Binx 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! I am excited to join the e-board this year and look forward to getting to know everyone. Please feel free to reach out if you need assistance or just want to talk. My email is ejc239@cornell.edu.
Susan Morse (Member-At-Large)
Good Day! My name is Susan Morse and I work for Procurement and Payment Services in the Division of Financial Affairs. I have worked for Cornell for thirty-six years in three different departments/units. Starting in the Vet School part-time then moved to the University Libraries and now as Procurement Agent with a concentration of Lab and Science, Animal and Agriculture, Gases and other commodities. I am pleased to be on the board as I was not disabled when first working and became disabled about 12 years ago when I had to have joint replacements due to osteo and psoriatic arthritis. This certainly left me with many challenges at work and home. My experience I hope will help others that might face the same changes I had to deal with on a day-to-day basis. If I can ever be of help, please feel free to contact me at sm32@cornell.edu.
Andrea Haenlin-Mott (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 division of Facilities Management. I have been on the Employee Assembly for the past four years, two years as the FCS Representative and for the past two years, I have been the Disability Representative, At-Large. 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 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!
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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
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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.
June 18, 2020: Diane Bradac, Employee Wellbeing at Work & Home During Uncertain Times
January 16, 2020: Todd Baker, Ergonomics Overview
June 16, 2020: Kerry Howell, CU Wellness during Pandemic
November 2020: Michelle Artibee, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
January 21, 2020: Nina Saeli, Personal Preparedness
March 2021: Keri Johnson, Working from Home with ADHD
Keri Johnson, Working from Home with ADHD presentation
Keri Johnson, Working from Home with ADHD interview recording
October 13, 2022: Radhika Nayak, Career Development Resources
December 01, 2022: Wendy Strobel Gower, Employment and Disability Considerations
Wendy Stobel Gower, Employment and Disability Considerations presentation
Wendy Strobel Gower, Employment and Disability Considerations recording
March 17, 2023: DCNG E-Board Conversation
April 12, 2023: Dr. Joshua Felver - Mindfulness-Based Programming for Adult Stress and Health in the Workplace
April 20, 2023: Andrea Haenlin-Mott – Accessibility Update
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Newsletters
October Newsletter: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:29881a7e-46c9-391b-86bb-50d01852c800
December/January Newsletter: https://cornell.box.com/s/p1vo1xixq1xeo6a8dy9gpaj0kowrgj4h