DAC Award for Excellence: GateWay Community College

Emily Bluestein Taylor, Manager Disability Resources and Services

In addition to providing an array of services and resources for students with disabilities who come from all walks of life, all ethnic and economic backgrounds,  Emily is being recognized for the enduring relationships she establishes with the students she helps the important role she plays in enriching and transforming their lives.

The same disabilities that present substantial academic challenges to students who seek assistance from the Disability Resource Department also contribute to feelings of alienation and “otherness” among the majority of their able-bodied fellow students.  The work done by Emily and the Disability Resources Department provide not only the tools and support to enable these students to succeed in the classroom environment, they also introduce these students to fellow students and mentors, providing  a sense of belonging and truly fitting in. This sense of connection cultivates enduring and fundamental relationships, and contributes immensely to an overall sense of wellbeing.  For many students with disabilities the support, and friendship that Emily provides is inextricably linked to their college and life-long success.