Each fall millions of college students flock to campuses throughout the nation. The unique community that is created by a university’s quad, student center, dormitories, classrooms, and stadium can be one significant catalyst for an enjoyable and productive college experience. A university that has not troubled itself with ADA compliance, however, seriously impedes many of their students’ ability to appreciate the full college experience they deserve.
College campuses–whether they be private or public, large or small–must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. If your right to access all of the services and experiences of your college campus is suppressed, it is incumbent upon you to speak up; not only for yourself, but also for those who will come after you.
Higher education has a responsibility to the community at large to be accessible for all. Most campuses have earnestly met the most apparent criteria set forth by the law. Automatic door openers, reconfigurations of furniture, and Braille signage have fortunately become rather standard elements in today’s higher education facilities. If even these basic modifications have not been met, then someone must take up the mantle to correct the deficiencies for the betterment of all.
While accessibility in the more public domains is essential, the Americans with Disabilities Act also guarantees program access so that all barriers are removed to ensure equal opportunity for everyone.
Universities should be certain to improve the overall access for students, visitors, and employees. The law demands that their accessible features are consistently maintained, so those elements will always be at the disposal of anyone who might benefit from their use.
Institutions should also take proactive measures to alert the public of the accessible facilities and routes; additionally, universal services and respective classes should be moved to easily accessible locations. Any individual request for better accessibility must be met in a timely manner.
If you find that your university is not complying with the laws as set forth by the ADA, you can rely on access advocates to work diligently, on your behalf, to correct the issue. Don’t wait–contact us today.
Image courtesy of Flickr, thatautguy