PHYSICAL ACCESS ON CAMPUS

People with mobility impairments are able to independently access most areas of the UND campus. However, barriers may still exist for some individuals. This Info Sheet describes the options available for dealing with some typical access problems. The University relies on everyone to report access problems, so action can be taken to resolve those situations.

THE ADA LINE is available to report access barriers by calling 777-2591 (voice) or 777-2796 (TDD). The ADA Line is also the Facilities 24 hour call line. Concerns are forwarded to the appropriate person or department for resolution. Callers who want to know how their concerns were handled will be asked to leave their contact information.

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCES AND ELECTRONIC DOORS are available on all classroom and high usage buildings, such as the administration building Twamley Hall, Chester Fritz Library and the Memorial Union. The locations of those entrances and power door openers are marked on the campus map which is available at University Relations, 777-2731 and at: http://www.und.edu/map/ and click on “printable map”. Report any access problems, such as snow blocking an entrance or a faulty door opener, to the ADA Line or to the resident assistant or apartment manager, if in University housing.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES are marked with proper signage and situated close to the building's accessible entrance, as well as in parking lots. See the Parking Map at: www.parking.und.edu and click on “University Parking Lots.”

CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION consists of an accessible fixed route shuttle bus system and a lift-equipped van for door to door service. Students with mobility impairments must establish their eligibility for campus paratransit by providing disability documentation to DSS or the UND Student Health Services.

CLASSROOMS are physically accessible with the exception of several tiered lecture bowls. However, there is usually enough room near the accessible entrance to sit in a wheelchair or electric cart. Some classrooms have theater-style seating bolted to the floor. Typically there is enough space in the front of the room to park a wheelchair. Some rooms have several larger seats located on the aisles. Many classrooms are furnished with desks which have attached writing surfaces. Contact your professor if you need a table and/or chair. Specify the table height you require (measure from the floor to the underside of the table). If your professor has not ordered accessible seating prior to your request, you can inform him/her to call Paul Clark at Facilities, 777-3005 to make those arrangements. It is a good idea to check out the accessibility of your classrooms PRIOR to the start of the semester and then initiate your requests by contacting DSS or your professors.

THE GENERAL USE COMPUTER LABS located on the lower level of the Memorial Union and on third floor of Chester Fritz Library have a computer station with an adjustable table, large print software (Zoom Text) and voice output (Texthelp Read&Write). Equipment, such as a trackball or alternate keyboard, is available upon request to the lab manager. Adaptive technology will also be made available in instructional computer labs. Those requests should be directed to the professor or DSS.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES are explained in the “Fire/Life Safety” section of the UND Safety and Loss Control Manual at: http://departments.und.edu/safety/policy/. People with disabilities who cannot use the stairs or need assistance when exiting a building are responsible for informing their professors and/or work supervisors of their evacuation preferences within the first week of class or employment. University personnel are responsible for reporting the location of a person remaining in the building to the Fire Department as they exit the building. The Fire Department personnel will go to that location immediately upon entering the building. After evacuating the person, they will check the rest of the rooms for occupants. A very helpful resource people with disabilities can use to decide how they want to be evacuated is entitled “Emergency Evacuation Preparedness Guide. It is available on the University’s Affirmative Action website at: http://www.und.edu/dept/aao/newada.htm. The evacuation policy and procedures in UND housing differ from the Safety and Loss Control Manual. Students in the residence halls should refer to the Residence Hall Calendar Planner & Handbook and students in apartments to the brochure "Fire Drills--The Great Escape".

IMPROVING ACCESS IS THE UNIVERSITY’S RESPONSIBILITY.

REPORTING ACCESS PROBLEMS IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILITY.