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Campus Accessibility
The Northwestern University campuses provide a variety of challenges to creating a physically accessible environment for students with disabilities. Increasing physical access to buildings and facilities is a goal of the University, however; programmatic access is much more readily attainable. Programmatic access ensures, when necessary, that all classes, programs, and activities will be held in accessible locations. Structural alterations to the existing classroom or facility may be necessary when moving a class, program, or activity would fundamentally change the learning environment. Any new construction or major building renovation will meet all federal and state statutes for accessibility.
Campus accessibility maps are available from SSD or can be found electronically.
Parking and Transportation
Any student who wishes to use parking designated for individuals with disabilities on the Northwestern University campuses must have a state handicap parking permit. Temporary accessible parking and limited campus transportation can be obtained with the permission of the Director of the Northwestern University Health Services.
Northwestern University Health Service
633 Emerson
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-2123
Moving a Class
If classrooms, facilities, or faculty offices are inaccessible, it will be necessary to find an accessible location or alternative course section that is located in an accessible location. All students with disabilities are given priority registration to help facilitate this process. If a class is in an inaccessible location, SSD will work with the Office of the Registrar, the faculty member, and the academic department to find an alternative accessible location. If a faculty member's office is in an inaccessible location, the faculty member must make arrangements to meet with students with disabilities in accessible locations.
Travel Time
If breaks between classes are short, a student with a mobility impairment may be a few minutes late. Often the student must wait for an elevator, take circuitous (but accessible) routes, wait for assistance in opening doors, and maneuver along crowded paths and corridors. If the student is frequently late, it is, of course, appropriate to discuss the situation and seek solutions. Most students will be aware of time restrictions and will schedule their classes accordingly. However, it is not always possible to allow enough time between classes.
Labs
Classes taught in laboratory settings (science, language labs, arts, film and video, etc.) usually need some modification of the work station for students with mobility or visual impairments. Considerations include under the counter knee clearance for wheel chair users, work and counter top height, horizontal working range, and aisle widths. Working directly with the student is usually the best way to provide modifications to work stations.
Service Animals
Some blind, deaf, and mobility impaired students use service animals. The service animal will not disturb the class. Service animals are highly trained and disciplined. The greatest disruption a faculty member can expect may be an occasional yawn or stretch. It is good to remember that as tempting as it may be to pet or speak to the service animal, the animal while in harness is responsible for helping and guiding its owner, and should not be distracted from that duty.
Field Trips
If classes involve field trips to off-campus locations, provisions must be made for students with disabilities. Transportation and accessibility of destination must be thoroughly investigated so the student with a disability can participate. Faculty members should consult with the student with the disability if there are any questions concerning the accessibility requirements. SSD is available to provide resources to help make the trip accessible. |
