Elizabeth Erickson named director for disability services

By Emily Aronson, Office of Communications on May 17, 2016, 2:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Erickson

Elizabeth Erickson

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Erickson 

Elizabeth Erickson, who has worked in Princeton's Office of Disability Services (ODS) for nearly 10 years, has been named director for disability services at the University.

The director for disability services is a senior member of the University's Institutional Equity and Diversity team, helping oversee initiatives, policies and procedures that support members of the University community with disabilities.

"Liz Erickson has a strong commitment to providing equitable access and a deep knowledge of Princeton," said Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity Michele Minter. "I am confident that she will bring an innovative approach to supporting our students and educating our campus community about disability as a form of difference rather than deficit."

As director, Erickson leads ODS and helps ensure the University complies with federal and state laws regarding individuals with disabilities. ODS coordinates services and accommodations for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities, and also works with administrative and academic departments to accommodate faculty, staff and campus visitors with disabilities.

In addition to leading the office, Erickson develops strategic initiatives to increase the overall accessibility of campus and creates programs to educate the campus community about disabilities and inclusion.

Erickson has worked at ODS since the office was established in 2006, and most recently served as associate director for disability services. She has been instrumental in the development of ODS and the coordination of services across campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

She has extensive experience with disability services and programs on campus, including:

  • Advancing policies on disabilities, including a policy for service and assistance animals and accommodations for students with temporary illnesses or injuries.
  • Working with faculty and administrators to provide accommodations for undergraduate and graduate students with mental and physical impairments.
  • Helping revise design standards for accessibility to campus buildings.
  • Partnering with offices across campus to provide information and promote awareness about disability services.

Before coming to Princeton, Erickson was a purchasing manager at Bearse Manufacturing in Chicago and also worked at Stanley Marks and Company accounting firm in Newburgh, New York. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Gettysburg College and a certificate in postsecondary disabilities from the University of Connecticut.

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