Jodi James
Jodi James, who served almost nine years as Purdue North Central’s Disabilities Services coordinator, has been posthumously presented with the 2010 Focus Award given by Purdue University to recognize an outstanding contribution to furthering Purdue’s commitment to disability accessibility and diversity.
Each year Purdue University presents Focus Awards to one faculty member, one staff employee, one student and one organization.
James died in September 2009 as the result of an automobile accident. Her family accepted the award on her behalf at a Disability Awareness Month reception at the Purdue West Lafayette campus.
At PNC, James organized a number of activities during Disability Awareness Month to help students, faculty and staff become more aware of and better understand some of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. She used her extensive knowledge of the ADA Amendments Act, Section 504 and understanding of the disability community to promote disability accessibility and awareness at PNC.
She played a key role in coordinating accommodations for students with disabilities and providing academic counseling. As a member of the campus ADA steering Committee, she was instrumental in make the campus more accessible to all.
She served as a member of the Michiana Resources Board of Directors and from 2001-2007 she was a member of the Indiana Council of Independent Living, appointed by the late Gov. Frank O’Bannon.
As an advocate for the disabled community, James took her advocacy from the regional to the national level, by attending rallies to raise awareness of individuals with disabilities.
In 2009 the PNC American Sign Language Club earned a Focus Award, and in 2007 Karen Donah, continuing lecturer and coordinator of American Sign Language classes at PNC, was presented the Focus Award.
