Penn State University President Joab Thomas began his presidency in 1990 on the heels of successful fundraising campaign efforts for the University. He acknowledged though that Penn State still faced significant financial difficulties because of legislative underfunding. The campaign would prove to be essential in supporting increasing research, libraries, public outreach instructional needs, and physical plant compliance concerns all across the Penn State system. In 1994 President Thomas discussed the University’s actions and commitments in support of the American with Disabilities Act.

Passing on July 26, 1990, ADA was conceived with the goal of integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of life. In order to comply with ADA, Penn State created surveys and offered workshops to extend awareness and understanding of the disabilities act. The Office of Physical Plant also conducted a survey of the campus to determine compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that programs, services, and activities of state and local governments be made accessible to people with disabilities. 

Additionally, the Office of the Vice Provost, in cooperation with Project Growth, created a diversity calendar showing events and a variety of programs in support of disabilities on campus. The document, “Penn State ADA Highlights” covered workshops, funding, committees, programs, and collaborations across the University. Student Counselors at Penn State in conjunction with Campus Life Assistance Center sponsored activities on campus with the goal to spread awareness. Located in the Penn State Hazleton Campus records is a publication from The Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association titled Disability Etiquette – Tips on Interacting with People with Disabilities. Created to support people not living with a disability in communicating and engaging with people with disabilities, it provided guidance such as, “Ask before you help,” “If you are giving directions, give specific, nonvisual information,” and “There is no need to shout at a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing.” 

Another resource on campus is the Office for Disability Services, which offers students assistance in their daily lives on campus and provides all Penn State students and faculty access to programs and activities on campus. 

“Student counselors to raise awareness through film,” The Daily Collegian, October 10, 1990

“Initial year intentions for Disabilities Act show mixed results,” article, 1990, Pennsylvania State University, Office of Physical Plant records, 1219

Diversity 1992 calendar, Pennsylvania State University, Office of Vice Provost for Educational Equity records, 262

“ADA and Higher Education,” 1993, Pennsylvania State University, Office, and Business Services records, 140

Disability Etiquette pamphlet, Penn State Hazleton records, 1119

President’s ADA statement, circa 1994, Pennsylvania State University, Office of Physical Plant records, 1219

Penn State ADA Highlights 1995, General vertical files: Students, 389

“Disability office helps students,” The Daily Collegian, September 30, 1998

“Survey tests disability issues savvy,” The Daily Collegian, December 2, 1998