The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 19.4 percent of undergraduate college students have a disability. The question is, how are our college campuses accommodating to provide the best learning environment for the differently-abled students?
College years are a very challenging time for anyone. For a disabled student, the hurdles are usually doubled.
There are some easy ways to ease the burden, like if one faces difficulties while completing a term paper, they can always seek help from professionals from credible write my essay for me services. However, disabled students will have additional pressure, if the college campuses and facilities themselves are inaccessible to them.
With stressful academic work taking up most of one’s energy, it is necessary that everyone receives the best care in an educational setting.
Indeed, many colleges are rethinking how their campuses are suited for disabled students. Still, there is much room for improvement.
Nevertheless, several colleges have done a great job of meeting the expectations of students with disabilities.
Here we have listed the best five facilities that excel in providing the best conditions for disabled students.
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University of Michigan
The University of Michigan has a longstanding reputation that dates back to 1817.
The college has developed some exceptional ways to help its collegiates with disabilities. A student organization serving this purpose, the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), was set up in 1989 following the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. SSD advocates for disabled people not only inside the campus but also at a national level.
One of their most innovative methods of inclusion is Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). There, people with similar disabilities to come together and collaborate on learning strategies.
At the University of Michigan, they have also set up the Knox Center to provide accessible sites for members of SSD. Apart from these exclusive ventures, the Services also focuses on providing assistance in accommodation, academic coaching, speech-to-text services, and well-resourced libraries.
Ball State University
Ball State University was set up the Office of Disability Services. It has successfully managed to be one of the most suitable campuses for disabled students.
The difference is evident in classrooms, where one can find adjustable seating and table arrangement that makes it easier for all individuals to move around despite their disabilities. Accessible and safe on-campus shuttles to and from classes are also provided.
The students of Ball State University has also formed the Alliance for Disability Awareness. Its main aim as raising awareness about the challenges faced by people living with different abilities.
The university is also one of the few institutions encouraging sports activities among physically-challenged students after classes. They also host a Disability Awareness Month and provide personal care attendants for those who need assistance in daily activities.
University of Southern California
There is no need to introduce USC as a prominent choice of universities in the US. The school is famous for its many programs, particularly the School of Cinematic Arts, which makes it one of the most coveted colleges for those interested in film arts and cinematography.
USC has the Disability Services and Programs that provide all services required to implement a supporting atmosphere for students in need.
The program seeks to encourage disabled students to attain their highest academic potential. With autonomy as the first priority, DSP focuses on self-advocacy in both the educational and social landscape of the university.
They provide assistance for taking notes, tutoring, test-taking, assistive technologies, and accommodations in alternate formats.
University of Florida
The Disability Resource Centre at the University of Florida intends to “pioneer accessibility and celebrate disability.” For such a big campus, UF is completely equipped with automated door buttons and makes accessibility as smooth as possible for all.
They have a universally designed accommodation, the Cypress Hall, that has lifts with access to every space. All floors, showers, and furniture are accessible for students in wheelchairs.
UF also has free transportation, the Gator Lift for the on-campus commute. RTS buses are equipped with ramps for off-campus transportation.
The university has created Delta Alpha Pi, an honor society that acknowledges disabled students on their achievements. All of this serves to develop the most welcoming environment for any learner to flourish.
University of Arizona
The most impressive aspect of the University of Arizona is how they integrate technology to develop techniques to offer the most suitable learning plans for pupils with learning and physical challenges.
The Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center formulates an individual study plan for registered learners to provide them with the best shots at success.
The Disability Resource Center at the institution also has several assistive technology resources, from hardware to software, to offer aid to students. Text-to-speech, concept mapping, screen overlays, and magnification are only a number of choices available.
They aim at inclusivity by hosting events and workshops to raise awareness. Moreover, the entire campus has a universal design that offers flexibility.
This universal design approach extends to both classes and teaching methodology.
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Final Words
Inclusion for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, is essential in every academic institution. Colleges are not only responsible for imparting education.
They should also present an atmosphere that is encouraging. The universities on our list are indeed proving to be doing a great job at that.
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