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Office of the ADA Coordinator

Category: ADA News

Access and Accessibility in the Built Environment

In 2019, the University prioritized work to re-establish comprehensive transition plans for its built environments. Through this process, the University evaluated its facilities and programs within the public rights-of-way, public outdoor spaces and building entrances accessible to the public, to determine barriers to access for individuals with disabilities. The campus transition plans describe the current state of each campus location and act as a guide for future planning and implementation of accessibility improvements. Below are tools and resources implemented through this work as well as progress made each year:

Review the Winter 2025 newsletter to learn more about spotlight events and accessibility resources!

Accessibility = Community

Over the 2023–24 academic year the UW community has been able to engage in a variety of events, lectures and educational resources designed to explore our history of disability access, and build our knowledge on how to foster disability inclusion across our institution. This yearlong campaign could not have been possible without great campus partners. A BIG thank you to all the 504at50 planning group members as well as the numerous units and departments that hosted events, large and small. As we wrap up the successful year, please consider engaging in one of the remaining opportunities!

Review the Spring 2024 newsletter to learn more about spotlight events and accessibility resources!

Accessibility is a Journey

Welcome to 2024! I begin this year with a mix of excitement and reflection, a common pairing of emotions this time of year. I am excited as I look forward to a series of accessibility projects on the horizon for the UW, including a new online campus map with accessibility features embedded. I am also reflecting as UW has reached the end of an era with the retirement of Sheryl Burgstahler, a leader in accessibility over the last 40 years.

Review the Winter 2024 newsletter to learn more about the spotlight and accessibility resources featured.

Disability Employment Awareness Month 

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and serves as a recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce. At the UW we strive to create welcoming and respectful learning and working environments, and to promote access and opportunity for everyone.

Review the Fall 2023 newsletter to learn more about the spotlight and accessibility resources featured.

50th Anniversary of Section 504

September 26, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the foundational civil rights law that established protection from discrimination for individuals with disabilities in the United States, and requires the University of Washington to provide equal access to programs, services and activities. To commemorate the anniversary, the UW planning group would like to introduce the UW 504at50 campaign.

Click here to view and learn more about events, engagements, resources and ways to connect through the 23-34 academic year.

Annual Notice on Student Accommodations

September 6, 2023

Each University of Washington student deserves an equal opportunity to succeed academically, and instructors and academic personnel play a crucial role in our students’ success. Disability is an aspect of diversity, and the University is committed to educating a diverse student body to become responsible global citizens and future leaders. By making reasonable modifications, instructors can increase students’ access to their content and courses and meet instructors’ legal obligations. As you prepare for autumn quarter, here are four things you can do now:

  1. Review University accessibility guidance on documents and digital content.
  2. Use Canvas for student submissions, class announcements and to post assignment instructions and course content when appropriate.
  3. Post your syllabi to Canvas at least two weeks before autumn courses start so students can determine whether they will need accommodations and can contact UW Disability Resources for Students (DRS) on each campus for assistance.
  4. Review the University’s course-based accommodation policy and obligations to comply with state and federal regulations regarding access for students with disabilities.

Click here to view the annual notice and to read more about the process and resources featured.

July is Disability Pride Month 

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to honor the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community in recognition of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society.

Review the Summer 2023 newsletter to learn more about the spotlight and resources featured.

Event Planning

Spring is upon us and with its arrival has brought cherry blossoms on campus as well as growing hours of sunlight throughout the Pacific Northwest. However, this spring has also inspired reflection for those in and connected to the disability community.

Spring quarter is also a time to gather and celebrate as we honor the conclusion of this academic year, from graduation activities to commemorating a year of hard work and academic excellence.

Review the Spring 2023 newsletter to learn more about the spotlight and resources featured.