Bicehouse and Sims presented PCDI Breaking Barriers Awards

May 6, 2019

Vaughn Bicehouse, a Slippery Rock University assistant professor of special education, and Lauren Sims, a senior transition programming student from Cheswick, were presented Breaking Barriers Awards by SRU's President's Commission on Disability Issues.

The Breaking Barriers Awards honor an SRU faculty or staff member and an SRU student who demonstrate advocacy, leadership, and/or empowerment in the area of reducing barriers for individuals with disabilities within the campus community, including physical, social or attitudinal barriers.

Bicehouse has worked with organizations and programs that support students with autism spectrum disorder, including Special Olympics, Key Clubs, Aktion Clubs and Best Buddies. He's helped connect SRU students to ideas and initiatives to include people with disabilities, including sensory-friendly theater productions, in-service training at area schools and safety education programs for community groups.

Sims, who interned in SRU's Office of Disability Services, planned and hosted a disability workshop and a panel discussion related to disability issues, and volunteered with various campus programs that support people with disabilities. She was born with a rare liver disease resulting in a hearing impairment, legal blindness and an impairment with balance.