Coach Doug Garner continues to be an example of an educator and coach helping students achieve their dreams in Arlington. His passion has even caught the eye of the Texas Governor.
The Texas Governor 's Committee on People with Disabilities has named Garner, head coach of The University of Texas at Arlington Movin ' Mavs wheelchair basketball team, to its "ADA25 Texas Trailblazers: Past, Present, Future " list.
The recognition is given to those individuals who have demonstrated a passion and commitment to full inclusion of people with disabilities, and those that protect and defend the Americans with Disabilities Act, which will mark its 25th anniversary this summer.
"I believe this award says a lot about our program and the University 's commitment to continuing to be a trailblazer in providing opportunities for students with disabilities, " Garner said. "It is because of the excellence of the faculty and staff that I work with that we are able to make a difference in the lives of so many remarkable young men and women. "
Timothy Quinnan, vice president of the Division of Student Affairs, which oversees the Movin ' Mavs, said the recognition is a well-deserved honor and reflects Garner 's unwavering passion for empowering and developing students with disabilities.
"He works tirelessly to help our students achieve success both inside and outside the classroom, " Quinnan said. "His advocacy for people with disabilities to ensure access and equality has earned him high praise at UT Arlington and beyond. "
In addition to coaching the Movin ' Mavs, Garner is assistant director of campus recreation for adapted sports and recreation at UT Arlington. He also serves as commissioner for the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Junior Division developing programs around the country. Since 2005, he has served as an advisor for the USA Men 's and Women 's Paralympic teams and National Junior Team. He served as the head coach for the USA Under 20 team that won gold medals in 2001 and 2003 at the Australian National Games for the Disabled.
Visit www.uta.edu/disability/resources/related-sites.php to learn more about the resources available to people with disabilities at UT Arlington.
You can also read Coach Doug Garner and the Movin ' Mavs ' American Dream story and watch the video included at the top of the article.
Abbott is the first Texas governor to use a wheelchair and the first in the U.S. since Alabama 's George Wallace left office in 1987. The Texas Governor 's Committee on People with Disabilities recommends changes in disabilities policies and programs in the areas of accessibility, communication, education, emergency preparedness, health, housing, recreation, transportation, veterans and workforce. Learn more at www.gov.texas.gov/disabilities/.
President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. The wide-ranging civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Photo Credit: The University of Texas at Arlington
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