KU’s First Annual Accessibility Forum

Accessibility Executive Advisory Council

November 14, 2013

Disability = Diversity

Creating a more accessible campus for people with disabilities creates a stronger University for everyone.

KU created three ADA-specific positions to increase accessibility

• Director of Accessibility and ADA Education » Assumes role of ADA Coordinator.

• Project Manager for ADA Quality Compliance » Reviews construction drawings for ADA compliance.

• Software Tester and Assistive Technology Coordinator » Campus-wide coordination of technology related to disability

needs.

Permanent Accessibility Committees• Executive Accessibility Advisory Council » Provides sustained attention to the ADA and monitors compliance.

• Architectural Barriers Committee (ABC) » A committee that seeks input from people with disabilities.

ABC’s mission statement is:

To incorporate Universal Design concepts to improve built environment accessibility through providing input on new construction issues, recommendations for KU’s transition plan and direction for how our University design standards can go above and beyond our compliance obligations.

On-going accessibility training

Enhance and strengthen accessibility climate

Accessible emergency evacuation

Procurement Policy

KU updated the University of Kansas Procurement Policy March 11, 2013. The primary changes in this revision are in Section V Competitive Solicitations. KU now has proactive measures to select vendors who will comply with accessibility laws.

Creating an accessible front entrance to Strong Hall

• Members of the 2012-2013 Student Senate and members of AbleHawks & Allies relayed support for an accessible entrance toStrong Hall.• DCM spent resources to study possible solutions for anAccessible entrance to the front of Strong Hall. • The 2013-2014 Student Senate unanimously passed aresolution to implore University administrators to fund the StrongHall project. • The Capital Projects Council approved the Strong Hall project.• KU’s goal is to install the ramp the summer of 2014 duringPhase two of the Jayhawk Boulevard reconstruction project.

Information Technology and access

• Implementing a Content-Management System (CMS) process for campus units with a web presence. CMS is a system-wide approach that supports University staff to create accessible websites. The new process requires compliance with Kansas Web Accessibility Requirements.

• Future online resource to make online content accessible for all.

Parking Improvements

KU’s Master Plan Principle: Embrace Universal Accessibility

Central academic accommodation testing site

Pre-forum survey data• 156 responses as of November 13, 2013. Of these responses: • 53% staff, 35% students and 12% faculty• 4% have serious difficulty hearing• 4% have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses• 22% have serious difficulty walking or climbing the stairs• 35% have been told by their doctor or healthcare provider that they

have a depressive disorder• 34% have ever had a temporary disability while attending/ working for

KU• 47% do NOT know how to file an accessibility barrier or disability

complaint at KU• 36% believe that KU does NOT foster a community climate that is

inclusive of people with disabilities.

Pre-forum survey data

Open Forum

• Questions?

• How can we improve? If you have specific complaints, please call IOA. If you have suggestions for systemic changes, please speak up!

• If you want to work with KU to create a more accessible University, there is a sign-up sheet on the handout table.

• Thank you for being here!