Regent Julia Darlow, above left, presents the 20th annual James T. Neubacher Award to Tobin Siebers, who is V.L. Parrington Collegiate Professor in the Department of English, and also serves as chair of the steering committee for the Initiative on Disability Studies. Siebers was honored for his unflagging advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities, beginning with “My Withered Limb,” a reflection on his life’s journey with polio, which a decade ago launched Siebers’ pioneering role in the emerging field of disability studies. The Council for Disability Concerns established the James T. Neubacher Award in memory of alumnus Neubacher, a columnist for the Detroit Free Press, and advocate for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. It recognizes significant achievements in promoting acceptance and awareness of people with disabilities, advocating for the civil rights of people with disabilities, or removing barriers to full participation in programs and services for people with disabilities (Photo by Martin Vloet, U-M Photo Services). Below, a U-M student takes a licking from a Paws With a Cause pup during a demonstration of service dogs in the Diag. The event was presented as part of Investing in Abilities week. (Photo by Scott Soderberg, U-M Photo Services)
