Accessibility in College Admissions

Hey guys, I've been doing a bunch of research about colleges and I'm trying to find institutions that are more accessible, I suppose. Does anyone here know what features or programs I should be looking for to understand if a college is 'accessible'? Any specific schools you'd recommend?

Hi there! Great question. When considering accessibility, there are several areas to think about physical accessibility, academic accommodations, and resources for differing abilities.

1. Physical Accessibility: Primarily, this focuses on how accessible the campus buildings, dorm rooms, and walkways are. Some older campuses may have fewer accessible buildings. Therefore, you could look into whether the college has ramps, elevators, and accessible housing options.

2. Academic Accessibility: Colleges should accommodate students who need additional time on tests, need note-taking services, or utilize other academic aids. Look for colleges with a dedicated office for accommodations, as they will usually have information on the types of academic accommodations they can provide.

3. Support Services: This includes services like counseling, tutoring, mental health resources, and career guidance. These resources can make the overall college experience more "accessible" and manageable.

As for specific schools, it varies based on your specific needs. However, many larger universities tend to have more developed programs and resources due to their size and diversity of students. For instance, UC Berkeley has a very proactive Disabled Students' Program, while the University of Southern California (USC) has an entire office dedicated to accessibility issues, the Office of Equity and Diversity.

I suggest reaching out to potential schools directly and asking these questions to their admissions offices or the appropriate department. Most will be able to provide the information you need. Good luck with your search!