Robb Retiring: NCA Position Open

The following memo was recently distributed by the National Center on Accessibility regarding the retirment of Gary Robb and the position opening with NCA:

After more than 28 years at Indiana University as the Director of Bradford Woods and the National Center on Accessibility, Gary Robb has announced his retirement for this upcoming May 2008. Gary has been a leader in the fields of outdoor recreation, accessibility and therapeutic recreation, working tirelessly to eliminate barriers and build communities where people with disabilities are accepted, valued and truly woven into the fabric of society. At Bradford Woods he developed what is now recognized as an international model in the delivery of therapeutic recreation, summer camp, environmental and experiential education. In 1992, he founded the National Center on Accessibility. Over the last 16 years, he has grown NCA into one of the premiere resources on accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in parks, recreation and tourism. Gary has represented NCA on the U.S. Access Board’s Recreation Access Advisory Committee and Regulatory Negotiation Committee on Outdoor Developed Areas. He has served as NCA principle investigator on numerous research projects including the latest on Best Practices. He is one of the founding members and first president of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf. In addition, he has authored several articles and textbooks. Gary has made immeasurable contributions to our field. While he is retiring, we look forward to his continued contributions as a distinguished emeritus faculty in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Indiana University.

As a valued colleague, please be informed that a national search has been initiated to appoint a new Director of the National Center on Accessibility. The search committee is coordinated through the Indiana University Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Studies and the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands.

Information about the position and the application process is available on the IU Human Resources web site. See Bloomington campus > academic appointments: http://www.indiana.edu/~uhrs/employment/merged_index.htm

Or view it directly at http://www.indiana.edu/~deanfac/baalist.html

The position announcement is also included in the text below this message. [The NCA Director position has a university classification of Academic Specialist, an IU faculty position.]

We ask that you forward information on the position vacancy to your constituents including perspective candidates you believe can make a valuable and long lasting contribution to the National Center on Accessibility. Please note that the deadline to apply is January 26, 2008.

In the meantime, please be assured we are committed to providing the quality of services that you have come to expect from NCA including the availability of technical assistance and new training programs. We have launched two national studies on surfaces (trails and playgrounds) and have several projects online involving park accessibility assessments, planning and design review. We do not anticipate this search to have any impact on the delivery of NCA services. Certainly, the search process is likely to be more than a challenge. However, we view this as an opportunity to begin a new chapter for NCA where we will continue to work together and grow to best meet the needs of the field advancing toward full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

Sincerely,
Ray Bloomer, Director of Education & Technical Assistance
Jennifer Skulski, Director of Marketing & Special Projects

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

DIRECTOR

NATIONAL CENTER ON ACCESSIBILITY

Indiana University is seeking applications for a Director for the National Center on Accessibility. This position is an appointed non-tenure track faculty member with the title of Academic Specialist – Director of the National Center on Accessibility.

This position is responsible for managing the National Center on Accessibility (NCA), a center affiliated with the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies. The Center is national recognized and an important part of Indiana University.

Qualifications:

Minimum of a M.S. in park, recreation or related discipline with 10 years experience in accessibility and disability in the parks and recreation field. A doctoral degree is desired.

Significant experience in working with national, state and local agencies focusing on accessibility and disability in the parks and recreation field. Knowledge of accessibility standards and disability studies as a recognized national leader in accessibility in recreation, parks and public lands is strongly desired.

Responsibilities:

Accountable for focused and entrepreneurial budget management including oversight of all sponsored research and service grant and contract development;

Manage multifunctional teams in the creation of park, recreation and related accessibility plans of park systems, park units and other programs management consulting, training and policy development for NCA partners;

Manage and promote national partnerships under general supervision of the Executive Director of the Eppley Institute for Parks & Public Lands, with federal, state and private agencies (e.g. National Park Service and others);

Maintain relationships with all Indiana University units, teaching and assistance in academic functions including committee membership and related contributions;

Travel required including some weekends and week long trips to partner locations occasionally serving as trainer and on-site expert for NCA national educational courses and visits.

Submit a letter of application, resume and supporting materials by 1/26/08 to:

Stephen A. Wolter
Executive Director, Eppley Institute for Parks & Public Lands
Indiana University Research Park
501 N. Morton Street, Suite 100
Bloomington, IN 47404

812.855.7083

sawolter@indiana.edu