Office supporting students with disabilities at PFW announces new name, new director

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The Services for Students with Disabilities office at Purdue University Fort Wayne has changed its name to the Disability Access Center. It not only has a new name, but also a new director with clear plans for the future.

“The Disability Access Center envisions maintaining its focus on serving students with disabilities, as well as being a campus resource for anyone who supports our pursuit of enhanced access, culture, and inclusion,” said Ryan McCombs, the center’s new director. “We will also provide faculty and staff with the education and leadership they will need to assist and support their students. During my short time here, I’ve been pleased with the way our campus community has demonstrated its commitment to moving forward with a progressive and proactive approach to campus accessibility.”

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Krissy Creager says seeing the center continue its focus on students while adopting campus-wide goals is a source of pride.

“Ensuring students with disabilities that the university is welcoming and supportive—and that it’s an advocate for accessibility—is of utmost importance,” said Creager. “We are an open and affirming community and want everyone to have access to the amazing education and student experience that Purdue Fort Wayne provides.”

McCombs, who joined the Purdue Fort Wayne staff this fall from Purdue West Lafayette, noted the future of the Disability Access Center is in line with national guidance on disability, where:

• Disability is valued and not presented as a problem
• The focus is on both the student and the institution
• The center will support campus-wide access
• Using disability in the name ensures people can easily seek and find resources and create opportunities for students and others to embrace a positive affiliation with disability

The Disability Access Center is located in Walb Student Union, Room 113. For more information about the center and its services, contact McCombs at 260-481-6658 or [email protected].

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