Bend hires new accessibility manager

Karin Morris will be joining the city of Bend as its new accessibility manager.

The city’s Accessibility Program strives to improve access to City services, activities, programs, facilities and events throughout Bend.

Assisting city staff in understanding the intent and application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and all related codes, standards and guidelines is an important role of the Accessibility Manager. Responsibilities also include assisting in the management of the Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Morris was most recently employed as the ADA coordinator for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She worked in a liaison and coordination role with a wide range of hospitals and health care providers, served as an internal and external resource for disability matters related to health care, and evaluated policies and facilities to ensure compliance with the ADA.

Morris also spent two years as an Accessibility Specialist for the DOJ Disability Rights Section in Washington, D.C., obtaining advanced knowledge of the ADA and how it impacts state and local governments and places of public accommodation.

Morris begins work on April 8.