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Hello everyone, I'm Mary Gower and today I'm joined by Amber Cagwin, ��ū�컨��F's director of disability services, to talk about accessibility on campus. This is something that is so important to ensuring that all students can participate fully in university life; whether it's our classrooms, our offices or common spaces. Thinking ahead about accessibility is something that we all need to do.  Amber, thanks for being here. To start with could you share some insights on how Disability Services support students with physical access needs, like mobility challenges? 

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Disability services at ��ū�컨��A, ��ū�컨��F and ��ū�컨��S work with students to make sure their learning environment is accessible. For example for students who are blind, using a white cane or students using a wheelchair, we help ensure that they can navigate their classrooms, on campus housing, or other facilities without barriers. This could involve making sure hallways on campus are clear of obstacles or making sure doors are either the proper weight to allow for easy opening, or have automatic openers. 

It's also about looking at classroom locations or seating to ensure that students can get to the classroom, and once in the class, have enough space to maneuver through the room, and that there are seating options that work for them. 

Another key part of our work is supporting students who use mobility aids like canes, walkers, knee Scooters, or crutches. We review routes on campus to identify areas that may need extra attention related to snow removal, or areas that are undergoing construction, to ensure that an accessible route is available, and that it's posted properly. 

It's also important to consider practical things like ensuring that students have easy access to restrooms, elevators, ramps or sidewalks -- particularly when it's cold and icy outside. 

Planning goes a long way in helping students move freely around our campuses. 

Students who need assistance with pregnancy accommodations should contact us as well. This can include modifications to physical environments, such as accessible seating, and accessible parking. 

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I think that it's important for everybody to realize that even small adjustments, like checking for clear pathways or accessible seating, can make a big difference for students. 

What about students with sensory disabilities? How can we make sure that spaces are welcoming for students who are blind, or have low vision, or who are heart of hearing? 

Yes that's a big focus for us as well. For students with visual impairments, it's important to ensure that websites, media, courses and materials are all available in accessible formats. We provide support in converting textbooks to digital formats that can be used with screen readers, providing large print materials - or Braille - depending on what the student uses. 

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Accessibility means that anyone can use the same technology regardless of whether they can manipulate a mouse, how much vision they have, how many colors they can see, how much they can hear, or how they process information. We also work with our campus partners to provide high-contrast, tactile or Braille signage to help students with low vision move around our campuses independently. 

In terms of hearing accommodations, we can arrange for ASL interpreters, assistive listening devices in classrooms, or provide captioning for lectures and videos. It's also important for faculty to be mindful of communication in the classroom. Things like facing your students while speaking, using microphones when available, and keeping background noise to a minimum, can make a huge difference for students who are hard of hearing. 

4:13

I appreciate how you brought up practical solutions like clear signage and providing assistive technology. Let's not forget about service animals though. What should faculty and staff know about accommodating students who rely on them? 

Yes, service animals play an important role in supporting in our students with various disabilities at many of the University of Alaska campuses. We help ensure that there's access for the student and their service animal in locations such as classrooms, dining areas and student housing. Staff and faculty should be aware that service animals are not pets -- they're working animals that are trained to assist with specific tasks. It's important to provide enough space for both the student and the service animal to be comfortable. 

If you know that a student will be bringing a service animal into your space, think about how the setup might need to change. For example is there a clear path for this animal to navigate? Is there a place where the service animal can rest during class? 

Planning ahead makes the experience smoother for everyone.

5:25

Changing gears, what if someone is planning to hold an event on campus. So what steps should they take to make sure that the event is accessible for everyone? 

That is an excellent question. If you're planning an event you need to consider accessibility. 

We encourage you to connect with our offices early on in the planning process. This gives us enough time to assess any potential accessibility needs for the physical space, such as making sure that the venue is fully accessible, as well as providing information on how to request sign language interpreters, or assistive listening devices, if they're requested by the attendees. 

When considering where to hold an event, there are a few key things that event organizers should keep in mind. 

First it's important to make sure that the venue is physically accessible -- things like ramps and wide doorways and accessible restrooms -- they're essential. You should also consider the layout of the seating. Is there room for individuals using wheelchairs and can they sit with companions?

Next, think about communication accessibility. If you're showing videos or clips make sure that they're captioned, and that sign language interpreters are available. Make sure that any printed materials are also available in accessible formats for those who might need them. 

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One quick tip for planners is always to include an accessibility statement in your event invitation and your promotional materials. For example it could read: “If you have any questions about access or to request any reasonable accommodations that will facilitate your full participation in this event such as ASL interpreting, captioned videos, Braille or electronic text, food options for individuals with dietary restrictions, etc. please contact: [insert name and contact information including an e-mail or phone number].” 

You can also indicate how far in advance they should contact them: 3 to 5 days is standard. This lets participants know that they can reach out in advance if they need accommodations, which will also help avoid any last minute scrambling. 

These are great reminders, thanks again Amber for all these important insights. 

And thank you everyone for joining today's Compliance Chat.

Remember, we each play a part in making our campus accessible, whether it's our offices, classrooms or at events. 

For more information contact your university's Disability Services Office. Or employees seeking accommodation please reach out to ��ū�컨�� HR leaves and accommodations at ua-ada@alaska.edu.