Members are excited to announce the launch of EquitAbility, a new employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to building community, advancing accessibility awareness and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging for employees with disabilities and allies across the organization. Supported by the Office of Culture and Inclusive Excellence, EquitAbility will be UCOP’s tenth recognized ERG.

Previously known as the Allies for All Abilities (3A) Affinity Group, EquitAbility was created with a meaningful goal to help ensure that every member of our UCOP community feels seen, supported, respected and empowered to fully participate and thrive.

EquitAbility members believe that accessibility and inclusion benefit everyone. Some disabilities are visible, while others are not. Some are permanent, temporary or situational. Clear communication, thoughtful design, flexibility and supportive workplaces help all employees succeed and contribute to their fullest potential.

EquitAbility goals

As an ERG, EquitAbility aims to:

• Promote awareness and understanding around accessibility and inclusion
• Celebrate the experiences, perspectives and contributions of employees with disabilities and allies throughout our organization
• Partner with UCOP leadership and colleagues to help foster inclusive practices and environments

EquitAbility steering committee

EquitAbility is led by the following steering committee members:

Jennifer Damico

Jennifer Damico, Director, Compliance, Reporting & Analytics, Systemwide Human Resources (UC Operations)
Jennifer brings more than 30 years’ experience in California public higher education to the EquitAbility ERG Steering Committee, along with a deeply personal commitment to disability advocacy as a disabled individual and as a caregiver for a disabled and neurodivergent family member. As a dedicated ally to the disabled and neurodivergent community, Jennifer is passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all.

Sarah Houghton

Sarah Houghton, Director of Discovery and Delivery, California Digital Library (Academic Affairs)
Sarah has worked in California libraries for 25 years as a librarian and director. Her passion for equitable services for people with disabilities stems from her experiences with a family member with multiple disabilities, her work with disabled students over many years, and her own multiple disabilities and neurodivergence.

Rachael Valtakis

Rachal Valtakis, Administrative Services Manager, State Governmental Relations (External Relations and Communications)
At her core, Rachal is interested in what happens when we stop asking people to fit into systems and instead design systems that work for them. She was recently named a UCOP Accessibility Champion.

Belinda Vea

Belinda Vea, Policy Analyst, Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs (Academic Affairs)
A leader in educational equity and student advocacy at the UC Office of the President, Belinda is deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments and building community. She is a founding member of EquitAbility and has served on the steering committee since its founding.

Catherine Spear, executive director of UC’s Systemwide Office of Civil Rights (SOCR), will serve as EquitAbility’s inaugural executive sponsor.

Whether you are looking for community, connection, learning opportunities or ways to help support a more inclusive UCOP, there is a place for you in EquitAbility.

More information about upcoming meetings, events and opportunities to get involved will be shared soon.

For more information, please email EquitAbility or visit the EquitAbility website. You may also express interest in joining EquitAbility or any UCOP ERG using this form.

About

View all post by