Elizabeth DePoy, Ph.D., (ME UCEDD) Receives 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from Disability Section of the APHA

November 24, 2008

Elizabeth Depoy with Award

Maine UCEDD Professor Elizabeth DePoy, Ph.D., Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies, and Professor of Social Work, was recently honored with the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Disability Section of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

The award is presented to a person who, over the course of his or her career, has made a major contribution to the improvement of health and quality of life for people with disabilities in one or more areas of research, teaching, or advocacy.

James Rimmer, Ph.D., Chair of the Disability Section, presented the award to DePoy during the 2008 APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego, CA (photo at right). Founded in 1872, the APHA is the oldest, largest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world.

Dr. DePoy has authored and/or co-authored eight books, contributed chapters to numerous edited collections, and published over 60 peer-reviewed articles. Her recent publications include co-authored books on evaluation, disability, and research.

Dorothy E. Nary, Disability Section Awards Committee Chair, writes of DePoy's contributions, "Combined with Dr. DePoy's passion for literature in a wide variety of fields, including diverse theory of bodies and spaces, research and evaluation methods, design of products and technology, policy and spaces to promote full access and participation, her work is unique, original and more importantly, significant in improving community responses to enhance the lives and health of all individuals including those with disabilities."