Disability Awareness Week Awards honor employees for providing accommodations for people with disabilities, so that the disabled employees may continue working.

• Deborah Galino, director, and Carole Lamb, personnel manager, Foundation Plant Services — Their efforts include physical changes to office facilities to allow wheelchair access, provision for ergonomic work stations and potential further modification of office facilities; temporary accommodation for a part-time schedule; and a flexible work schedule to allow telecommuting.

• Land, Air and Water Resources team: Mike Mata, engineer, Campbell Tract; Diane Louie, staff research associate; Crystal Cantlin, chief administrative officer; and Jan Hopmans, chair — For their efforts individually and as a group, “to develop an innovative and viable accommodation,” Mata in the field, Louie in the laboratory, Cantlin for finding a spot in the organization, and Hopmans for his long-term commitment.

• Elodia “Lody” Tarango, assistant director, Institutional Review Board Administration, Office of Research — Because of her efforts, an individual has been able to work successfully at UC Davis for more than 20 years.

• Dave Klippert, manager, and Vince Lampman, assistant superintendant, Civil and Industrial Services (formerly Ag Industrial Services) — They provided modified duty to an individual who sustained a serious injury and required a lengthy recovery process. This resulted in the individual’s ability to maintain employment throughout the recovery process.

• Nora Orozco, business services manager, dean’s office, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences — Recognized for her compassion and sensitivity during a challenging accommodation process. She partnered closely with Disability Management Services to develop creative solutions.

Recognition of these award recipients came during the Soaring to New Heights celebration, which also featured recognition of this year's recipients of Diversity and Principles of Community Achievement Awards, and the Calvin E. Handy Leadership Award.