About Us
Mission
OARS collaborates with the UNCG community to ensure that campus life is accessible. This includes the removal of barriers to access whenever possible and implementation support for reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. OARS provides the institution with resources, education, and direct services promoting equitable access and inherent acknowledgment of disability as a part of humanity.
Vision
OARS envisions a campus that is inherently equitable, accessible, & inclusive.
Social Model of DisAbility
UNCG OARS serves under the Social Model. What’s the difference?
As indicated in the following charts, the social model recognizes that I, as a person with a disability, am part of the diversity of humanity, and that “the problem is how society is arranged not the disabled person.” Barriers are outside of the disabled person and may include “stairs with no ramps or lifts; inaccessible buildings, housing, and public transport; over-the-top health and safety; no sign language interpreters or accessible formats; multiple barriers to employment; segregated schooling; and discrimination and segregation.”
Medical Model of Disability
On the other hand, the medical model insists that I, as a person with a disability, am broken and needs to be fixed; I am “the problem.” E.g., “Can’t use stairs or public transport; housebound and unsafe in society; can’t communicate because of walking, seeing, hearing disabilities; too problematic for schools; not the same as “normal” people; a drain on society (“scrounger”).”
Societal barriers
The infographic, formerly from Disability Arts Online, further illustrates the social model. A person leaning on a cane stands behind a pseudo-fence with the barrier labels, “Physical and Environmental, Institutional and Organizational, Attitudinal, and Information and Communication.”
For additional information see The Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People.
Our team
Tina Vires…
Director, tevires@uncg.edu
Tina Vires is a seasoned leader in accessibility and disability services in higher education, with over two decades of experience advancing equity, inclusion, and barrier removal across multiple institutions. Currently serving as Director of the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services (OARS) at UNC Greensboro, Tina also acts as an ADA consultant, guiding campus-wide efforts to ensure compliance, access, and inclusive practices.
Her career spans leadership roles at Georgia State University, Winthrop University, and Limestone University, where she directed teams, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and spearheaded innovative programs such as the Social Model of Disability and PhotoVoice initiatives. Tina is known for her strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and commitment to empowering students with disabilities through education, advocacy, and systemic change.
A frequent presenter at national and local conferences including the Association on Higher Ed and Disability (AHEAD), Tina has contributed to professional publications and led training initiatives on topics ranging from ADA compliance to sensory lounges and emotional support animals. She holds an M.Ed. and a Graduate Certificate in Post-Secondary Disability Services from St. Ambrose University, along with ADA Coordinator Training Certification and advanced credentials in ADA employment and Title III business compliance.
Tina is an active member of AHEAD, where she serves as a proposal reviewer and ADA Coordinator Knowledge & Practice Community co-chair. Her work continues to shape inclusive policy and practice, fostering resilience and success among diverse learners.
Tami Rich…
Administrative Specialist, tsrich@uncg.edu<br>
Tami has been a dedicated member of the UNCG community since 1992, serving in a variety of roles across campus. At OARS, she is often the first point of contact, warmly welcoming visitors and helping students navigate campus resources. With her deep knowledge of UNCG’s history and culture, she’s a trusted guide for many. Remarkably, Tami earned her bachelor’s degree from UNCG while working full-time for over 16 years—a testament to her perseverance and commitment to education. Her greatest inspiration is her mother, Jean, a proud 1951 graduate of the Women’s College.
Rusty Rogers…
Assistant Director, wmrogers@uncg.edu
Spartan Strong!
Susan Wise…
Assistant Director, sewise@uncg.edu
Start here, stay here.
Tanya kline…
Administrative Specialist, t_kline@uncg.edu
Tangie Key…
Assistant Director, tnkey@uncg.edu
Tangie is a dedicated higher education professional with over 23 years of experience advancing accessibility, student success, and inclusion. She excels in facilitating interactive discussions that help students develop reasonable accommodations while collaborating with faculty, staff, and peers to foster equitable learning environments.
Her background spans academic advising, program coordination, and budget management. As Assistant Director at UNCG, Tangie is tasked with the implementation of accessible technology and overseeing the content of the department’s website to enhance digital accessibility and communication. She also coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with federal mandates.
Tangie is proficient in Degree Works, Banner, Microsoft Teams, Canvas, and the Microsoft Office Suite. She is known for building strong relationships, delivering engaging workshops, and advocating for inclusive practices that support diverse student populations.
Tyesha Pittman…
tspittman@uncg.edu