If you have ever searched for accessibility information on the University of Utah’s website, then you know it isn’t an easy task. The Universal Design & Access (UDA) Committee hopes to change that by launching a new Campus Accessibility website on July 1, 2022, to serve as a centralized location for accessibility and disability resources.
The Campus Accessibility website will be linked from the university’s homepage and will provide students, staff, faculty and visitors with information and resources related to campus accessibility, including the following:
- Accommodation request process
- Technology accessibility
- Housing accommodations
- Accessible parking and transportation
- Center for Disability and Access
- Disability Studies
- Online form to report barriers
“A lot of the information about accessibility has been scattered in different parts of the university’s website,” said Angela Smith, director of Disability Studies and UDA Committee co-chair. “This important new site brings together resources and links to help campus community members and visitors find what they need more efficiently. It also demonstrates the university’s commitment to improving disability supports and prioritizing accessibility.”
The committee hopes the site will help to create an environment where the unique perspectives and contributions of the campus community are equally valued and respected.
“Accessibility is a critical component of the university’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Scott McAward, director of the Center for Disability and Access and UDA Committee co-chair. “[The website] is an important step toward increasing access on campus and providing a more inclusive campus for all.”
The UDA Committee welcomes suggestions and feedback related to the Campus Accessibility website and recognizes that broad collaboration will only enhance the functionality and resourcefulness of the site. For questions or feedback related to the Campus Accessibility website, please contact Erin Sullivan, deputy ADA/Section 504 coordinator, at erin.sullivan@utah.edu.
Special thanks to the entire UDA Committee, the Center for Disability and Access, Disability Studies, University Information Technology and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action for their assistance with this project.
About the Universal Design & Access Committee
The Universal Design & Access (UDA) Committee is a component of the One U Thriving initiative led by the university’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. To help strengthen inclusion and equity across campus, the UDA Committee advises the One U Thriving Steering Committee on policies and procedures affecting campus community members and visitors, including, but not restricted to, persons with disabilities relative to employment, educational opportunities and accessibility. The committee proactively works with a range of university entities to enhance university accessibility for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors according to the principles of Universal Design, in areas such as curricular design, built environment, technology and information, campus events and workplace inclusivity.
About the One U Thriving initiative
Building upon President Emerita Ruth V. Watkins’ vision for the future of One U, and united in serving the people of Utah and the nation as a flagship institution at the forefront of scientific research and innovation, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) launched One U Thriving as a synergistic approach in developing methods to achieve inclusion and equity on throughout the university. One U Thriving fully embraces the daily practices of equity, diversity and inclusion. It is the platform on which EDI communicates and leads structural change to build a more equitable, diverse, accessible and inclusive campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
About Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) serves across the entire university system and leads this work for the university. Our department includes resource centers, offices and associated student, faculty and staff affinity groups. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for transformation toward diversity, equity and inclusion as an embodiment of the university’s core values with the ultimate vision of establishing a culture of belonging throughout the university and to become a model campus for equity, diversity and inclusive excellence.