Accessibility has to do with the degree to which an environment,
service, or opportunity is accessible to all. The term is
often used with respect to people with disabilities; simply stated,
it means 'the ability to access and benefit'. Universal
Design (UD) and accessibility are related in that UD focuses on
making all things accessible to all people and often includes
physical, programmatic, and technological access.
The University is mandated by law to provide equitable
access for all its educational programs, opportunities and
services to all people with disabilities. This includes
providing accessible locations for classes, programs and services
offered by the institution. If multiple sections of a course
are offered, at least one section of the course must be in an
accessible location. For students with mobility impairments,
classes must be located in buildings with ground-level entry,
working elevators (if the class is not located on the ground
level), and doorways that are at least 32" wide. Classes must be
relocated either temporarily or permanently if these specifications
are not met. Accessibility is not, however, limited to students
with mobility impairments. The needs of students with visual and
hearing impairments must also be taken into consideration when
selecting locations for classes and programs. Specific
accommodations for these students are covered in the sections on
visual impairments and hearing impairments.