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Employees Honored for Making Sky Harbor More Accessible
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and two city of Phoenix Aviation Department employees were recently honored for their efforts to make Sky Harbor more accessible. Richard Russell, project manager, and Norbert Senftleben, architect, were recognized at the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Recognition Ceremony co-sponsored by the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues and city of Phoenix’s Equal Opportunity Department.
In 2005, the city required departments to develop a Transition Plan that works to remove physical barriers. The Aviation Department has a team consisting of Russell, Senftleben and Special Projects Administrators Candace Huff and Chris Andres. They work together to identify potential improvements as part of this plan. Projects have included raised crosswalks outside the terminals, accessible restrooms with caregiver access and an adult length changing table inside, ADA handrails in the parking garages, areas of rescue within the terminals, accessible electric charging stations in areas with headroom clearance, and ongoing renovation of the restrooms. The Facilities and Services Division also worked in partnership to make improvements on these projects. The Barrier Removal Vigilance Award recognizes efforts such as these at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports.
“The department has continually gone above and beyond what is required to accomplish our barrier removals and in training staff on ADA issues,” said Russell.
In addition, individual employees’ accomplishments in support the City’s Equal Opportunity Plan were recognized. Russell, who serves as the Department’s lead in ADA matters, was awarded the ADA Liaison of the Year Award. Senftleben was bestowed with the Above and Beyond Award for his work.
“Norbert has been instrumental in coming up with outstanding solutions to our barrier removals”, said Russell.
Congratulations to Russell, Senftleben and the Aviation Department on this achievement.
Published: October 29, 2012
