Oct. 14, 2025
Photos by Gretta Cohoon
As part of Disability Culture Month in September, the Lee Henson Access Mizzou Awards are given to recognize faculty, staff and students who create a campus where people with disabilities can fully participate and succeed. Named for a former Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator at Mizzou, the awards are given annually and sponsored by the MU Disability Center, Office of Accessibility and ADA, IT Accessibility Center and Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
Faculty award: Caroline Waldbuesser
Caroline Waldbuesser is the course director for COMMUN 1200 (Public Speaking) in the College of Arts and Science.
Public speaking courses are often a source of anxiety for students, particularly those with communication apprehension or anxiety disorders. Waldbuesser implemented a scaffolded approach to help students gradually build confidence, offering flexible options such as giving initial speeches to the instructor in a smaller setting, recording a presentation or presenting first to a small group before moving to the full class. This design reduces barriers while keeping the goal of delivering a speech in front of peers at the center of the course.
“Caroline’s implementation of this scaffolded approach is a great example of universal design,” her nominator wrote. “By building in options that account for different levels of communication anxiety, she has removed the need for many students to seek accommodations. Her efforts have reassured countless students who might otherwise have been discouraged by this required course.”
“I have been working to make the course more accessible, especially for students who have high amounts of anxiety around speaking in public,” Waldbuesser said. “We want students to feel safe and comfortable growing in the skills in our class."
Staff award: Angela Knoerr
Angela Knoerr is a teaching professor in the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business.
Through her Creating Faculty Accessibility Advocates program, Knoerr equips faculty with tools and perspectives to better understand and address accessibility in their teaching. The program uses simulation activities — incorporating items such as eye masks, ear plugs and stress balls — to help faculty experience some of the barriers students with disabilities may encounter. These exercises prompt reflection and encourage faculty to consider practical strategies for their classrooms.
By training a colleague to deliver the program in BA1500, Knoerr built faculty capacity to integrate accessibility into instruction — benefiting about 1,000 students annually. She also prepared UM System employees to share the workshop at a national conference and presented it herself at the Online Learning Consortium, extending Trulaske’s faculty advocacy model to broader conversations on accessibility.
“Angela’s work reflects a commitment far beyond her regular responsibilities,” her nominator wrote. “By developing and delivering impactful accessibility programming well ahead of national mandates, she is building a culture of advocacy and awareness that benefits thousands of students each year.”
“Accessibility matters to me because when people with disabilities have a have a real seat at the table and a voice in decisions, policies and products can anticipate barriers before they become a crisis,” Knoerr said. “When education is accessible, we all win.”
Group award: Student Affairs Marketing and Communications Team
The Student Affairs Marketing and Communications team plays a vital role in making information about campus resources clear and accessible for all students. From digital platforms to printed materials, the team works to ensure that students with disabilities can easily navigate and engage with the opportunities and services available to them.
“The team holds themselves to a very high standard,” the nominator wrote. “From content strategists overhauling websites for consistent digital accessibility, to designers checking readability and clarity in every deliverable, each member challenges themselves and one another to find ways to make their work more accessible. I am impressed every day.”
“It’s an honor to be recognized for something we view as a responsibility,” Cathy Maschmeyer, website content strategist, said. “We believe accessibility strengthens communication, and we’re proud to contribute to that effort for Mizzou students.”
Group award: IT Pros
The IT Pros across campus play an essential role in supporting workplace accommodations for Mizzou faculty and staff. Working closely with the Office of Accessibility and ADA, these professionals help set up and maintain the assistive technologies and devices that make it possible for employees with disabilities to do their work effectively.
“Their support ranges from configuring monitors, docking stations and standing desks, to installing and updating assistive technology applications,” the nominator wrote. “They also provide guidance for faculty members with sensory disabilities, ensuring that tools function properly and meet individual needs. Their technical expertise and responsiveness make a significant difference.”
The key IT Pro members that sparked the nomination are Jeffrey Burrell, Wei Du, Joe Collins, Greg Rotert, Scott Greathouse and Ken England.
“I remember Lee and his efforts to bring attention to accessibility needs on our campus,” Rotert, support systems administrator, said. “Receiving the Lee Henson Access Mizzou Award is a meaningful reminder that accessibility work truly matters. Technology should never be a barrier, and working with ACT allows us to ensure it isn’t a burden for anyone. I’m proud to be part of the Division of IT, and this recognition motivates me to keep pushing for systems and setups that support all users.”
