On June 16, the Biden administration announced their intent to appoint a few individuals to boards and commissions and one of the appointments was University of Oregon Masters of Architecture (MArch '15) alumna, Olivia Mae M. Asuncion, AIA. Asuncion is joining the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Access Board. This independent federal agency "promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards." By developing and maintaining design criteria, the Board can oversee the accessibility standards in regard to the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications equipment, medical diagnostic equipment, and information technology. The Board is available to provide training and assistance to the public on these requirements while also enforcing accessibility standards that cover federally funded facilities. 

Asuncion advocates for inclusive design and is a Project Architect at Quattrocchi Kwok Architects, where she works on K-12 educational facilities. A skilled architect and exceptional design researcher, Asuncion centers her work on prioritizing user needs, especially in the context of the design of buildings and spaces. She earnestly believes that "our design decisions have the potential to create physical symbols that tear down social barriers and inequalities." 

Read more about the appointment:  www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/06/16/president-biden-announces-key-appointments-to-boards-and-commissions-28/