Choosing an Accessible College

Choosing colleges for students with disabilities is no longer limited to a few options.​ As of 2020, roughly one in every five college students reported having a disability. These conditions may include physical disabilities, invisible disabilities, and learning disabilities.

The government has laws in place to ensure that all students with disabilities have access to the same high-quality education resources as people without disabilities. However, not every college offers exceptional accommodations for all students.

Researching colleges for students with disabilities​ ahead of time can help narrow down your top choices and provide the resources you need to succeed. This guide breaks down key considerations to help you feel informed, empowered, and ready to learn on campus or online.

Accessibility can mean different things for different students. In the broadest terms, an “accessible” college can accommodate learners with varying physical and mental abilities or disabilities. Ideally, an accessible college offers the support and resources for each student to earn a degree and achieve their career goals.

Not all access is visible. Still, all accessibility considerations, including those related to scholarships, campus culture, and physical accessibility, can make a significant difference for students. Accessibility can include:

Physical accessibility is a key component of colleges for people with disabilities​. This consideration extends beyond elevators and access ramps to all building modifications that enable students with differing kinds of mobility to easily access their classes and campus facilities independently.

Other physical accessibility measures should include classroom access, layout, and building modifications. Physical accessibility also extends to transportation modifications, dorm access, and all other aspects of student life that help all students feel comfortable on campus.

Accessible colleges should also provide classroom and academic accommodations for all types of students, including, but not limited to, blind or deaf students, individuals with autism, people with dwarfism, students with learning disabilities, or other disabled learners.

Faculty training is fundamental to accessibility, along with the use of modified materials, specialized technology, and other customized modifications, as appropriate, to fit individual students’ needs.

Campus culture and support can significantly affect students’ success. Look for colleges that foster inclusivity and have demonstrated openness of staff and peers. Other signs of a healthy campus culture for students with disabilities include the presence of disability clubs, mentorship programs, and the overall openness of staff and peers.

Assessing a college’s accessibility before you apply can save time and help you narrow down the colleges that best meet your needs. Start by reviewing prospective schools’ websites for information. They should be able to provide details on accommodations and student support.

You can contact student organizations or disability services directly to learn about the types of accessibility accommodations the school offers. Finally, brainstorm a list of questions to ask at each prospective school.

If you plan to attend college on campus, inquire about room and classroom accommodations related to your specific needs. If you’re still unsure, you can also ask if the school offers specialized support, such as a disabilities advocate.

Accessibility features for on-campus students relate to considerations like housing, dining, transportation, and classroom access. If possible, take physical or virtual tours. You can also reach out to current students and alumni to understand how the campus design can meet your needs.

Even if the school typically requires shared rooms or dorms, you can contact the college to discuss special accommodations. As a person with unique accessibility needs, you may want to look for single rooms, proximity to elevators, and, if necessary, access to a refrigerator or medical devices.

For example, if you need to refrigerate medicine, ask if there is a public refrigerator or if you can have a small refrigerator in your room.

You can also speak with the dining services to understand the dining room layout and accommodations for physical disabilities, allergy accommodations, gluten-free meals, or modified meal plans. Some colleges, for example, have dedicated gluten-free dining sections, which they can show you during a tour.

You will also want to check for classroom seating accommodations, assistive technology, note-takers, sign language interpreters, and flexible lab formats. Deaf or blind students, for example, often use tech to participate in all classroom activities with the same level of access and understanding as other students.

If the college has a disabilities advisor, you can share your past accommodations and ask if any colleges have extra accommodations to fit your unique learning needs.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Readers of this website should consult with their physician to obtain advice with respect to any medical condition or treatment.