Reconstructing Accessibility:  PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN

the Implications of Universal

1. Equitable use 5. Tolerance for error
Design for Student Affairs
2. Flexibility in use 6. Low physical effort
Practices
3. Simple & intuitive use 7. Size and space for approach and use
accessibility - the ability for everyone, 4. Perceptible information
regardless of disability or special needs, to
access, use and benefit from everything WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR PROGRAM MORE ACCESSIBLE?
within their environment

disability - a cognitive, developmental,

intellectual, mental, physical, sensory,
condition, or combination of these that
typically inhibits interaction with
environments or systems

ableism - conscious or unconscious

discrimination in favor of able-bodied
people

DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM

DO YOU PROVIDE...
Text descriptions of flyers
Audio descriptions for movies
A mix of loud, vibrant programs Multiple options for participants with food allergies
and small, quieter programs
Fonts easily read by people
with dyslexia (Arial or
OpenDyslexic)
IS YOUR EVENT ACCESSIBLE TO SOMEONE...
With chronic pain?
Who uses a mobility aid?
With low vision?
EXAMPLES
RESOURCES
Materials with large text
Multiple sessions Office of Accessibility Services 
(678) 839-6428
or preferences counseling@westga.edu
Accessible, gender-inclusive restrooms 
Education for your staff & coworkers about how to Report Barriers to Access
Contact Facilities
serve students with disabilities
(678) 839-6277
Contact University Police
(678) 839-6000
Accompanied by an assistance dog?
Form link: 
With an auditory disability?
https://www.westga.edu/student-
Who else could you think of?
services/counseling/barriers-to-
access-reporting-form.php

Equitable use Perceptible information Colleagues and Coworkers

Materials are offered in large Information is provided via multiple platforms Talk over your programs,
print, and images are included (audio, e-mail, presentation) initiatives, policies, and day-to-day
with descriptions. operations with your colleagues to
Tolerance for error see how you can make your work
Flexibility in use  Rolling deadlines.   more accessible to all students.

Students can choose to

participate in a loud/flashy part
of the program or a quieter
room with similar activities.
Low physical effort
In planning, ensure there are always alternatives
Erica Lee
(campus tours that can be given on golf-cart)
fin-elee7@westga.edu

Simple & Intuitive  Size and space for approach and use Emily Woodward
Minimize the use of jargon or How is seating arranged? Are students given nsp-ewoodwa3@westga.edu
acronyms in speech and text. choices?  Is the venue accessible by elevator?