2003 Focus Award Recipients

Faculty: Dr. F. David Schoorman

Dr. F. David Schoorman was a Professor of Management when he received the Focus Award. He taught in the areas of Organizational Behavior, Organization Theory, and Human Resource Management. His knowledge of applied psychology within these areas had been beneficial while he served on the campus Advisory Council on Disability Issues since it was created in 1993. Dr. Schoorman appeared to be at ease identifying and discussing access issues. For example, when the management building was in its planning stages, he asked why the wheelchair spaces were always at the front of the room. He felt that wheelchair users should have the choice and opportunity to sit in the back of the room like non-wheelchair users. He jokingly pointed out that all students should have the opportunity to fall asleep in class, which is difficult to do when sitting in the front row all the time! Dr. Schoorman also viewed his role as a faculty member as an opportunity to educate faculty on disability issues and to facilitate information to his colleagues. He was quick to state that his commitment to educate his colleagues and the Purdue community was not because it is the law, but rather because it is the right thing to do.

Staff: Timothy J. Nordland

Mr. Timothy J. Nordland was the webmaster for the School of Veterinary Medicine when he received the Focus Award. He has brought knowledge and skill to the task of making Purdue's web sites compliant with standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. Mr. Nordland worked very hard, both individually and as part of the Purdue Universal Access Initiative (PUAI), now known has Web Accessibility Committee, to educate the Purdue community on its legal and ethical obligations of providing accessible websites. Prior to joining PUAI in the year 2000, he provided consultation and conducted educational workshops to various departments on campus, such as the Athletics Department, the Colleges of Science and Liberal Arts, and many others. In fact, Mr. Nordland developed one of the first accessible distance education web courses for the Veterinary Technology Program. Upon joining PUAI, he provided the technical "How-to," a much needed addition to the legal, educational, and adaptive technologies aspects of the workshops. Mr. Nordland also advised the Grand Prix Committee. Several years ago, a prospective driver, who happened to be an amputee, applied to drive in the race. Knowing that this concern could be a potential issue due to the stringent safety rules and regulations, Mr. Nordland contacted Adaptive Programs, now known as the Disability Resource Center, for information and assistance. Due to his intervention and advocacy, the possible safety concerns never became an issue.

Student: Scott R. Kempf

Mr. Scott R. Kempf was a senior from Indianapolis in Organizational Leadership and Supervision when he received the Focus Award. During his freshman year, Mr. Kempf began experiencing dizzy spells, which eventually led to the diagnosis of a brain stem tumor. After two surgeries and over 20 radiation treatments, the brain tumor was successfully removed. However, a few limitations occurred as a result of the surgery. Mr. Kempf has impaired vision and decreased coordination in both his upper and lower extremities. He used a motorized scooter to get around campus and utilized adaptive technology to perform some tasks. Mr. Kempf remained optimistic and chose to educate others about his disability in several ways. He was a member of Purdue Advocates for Disability Issues. He also helped educate the campus through participating in Dr. James D. McGlothlin's research project in which a video recorder was mounted to his scooter to reveal accessibility concerns around campus.

Organization: Tomahawk

Tomahawk is a coeducational service and leadership honorary organization at Purdue University. The goal of Tomahawk is to further develop student’s leadership abilities, as well as broaden the scope of each member through pledge ship and organizational activities. As a service organization, Tomahawk performs over 30 service projects each semester. This organization received the Focus Award for its diligence in helping students with disabilities, especially those individuals with visual impairments; learn how to get to classrooms and other campus locations. The organization has worked with Adaptive Programs, now known as the Disability Resource Center, in this way for eight years.