Top College Campuses for Students with Disabilities
While all students might evaluate colleges based on academic offerings, campus culture or extracurricular activities, those with disabilities have additional considerations to make.
It's not just about whether the school offers the desired major; it's also about whether the campus environment supports their needs. Factors like whether a smaller school might be more suitable for someone with mobility challenges, how accessible campus transportation is, and whether there are disability-focused student organizations can play a significant role in the decision-making process.
How Accessible Are College Campuses?
Generally, when looking at college campuses, most should have a dedicated disability services department that helps students gain access to accommodations. Beyond accommodations, you’ll want to consider:
- Housing: Consider ground-floor options for mobility needs or air conditioning for autonomic disabilities to ensure comfort and accessibility.
- Dining: Colleges often offer dietitian services and allergen-friendly options. Dorms with dining halls attached may be ideal for those with mobility challenges.
- Transportation: Many universities provide door-to-door transport for students with disabilities, though smaller schools might not offer this service.
- Disability-Focused Organizations: Schools often have student groups for those with disabilities, offering a supportive community.
- Size and Student Population: Smaller schools may suit those needing shorter distances between buildings, while larger schools might offer more comprehensive disability services.
What are the Top Colleges for Disabled Students?
Finding the perfect college can be a different experience for every student, especially for those with disabilities. Some colleges in the U.S. are known for their dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. These schools include:
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
- Size: ~35,000 (undergraduate); 2,295 acres, 3.6 sq miles
- Disability-Related Student Organizations: Yes
- Door-to-Door Accessible Transportation: Yes
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) was the first university to establish a post-secondary disability support program, known as the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). Additionally, UIUC was one of the first places in the world to implement curb cuts, significantly improving accessibility for wheelchair users. In addition to providing academic accommodations for students, the university also has one of the few collegiate-level wheelchair basketball teams in the U.S. and multiple disability-focused student organizations, providing students the opportunity to build community on campus.
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Size: ~33,000 (undergraduate); 1,232 acres, 1.9 sq miles
- Disability-Related Student Organizations: Yes
- Door-to-Door Accessible Transportation: Yes
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is not only one of the most prestigious public universities in the U.S., known for academics and research, but it’s also considered to be one of the most accessible. UC Berkeley offers academic accommodations to students with disabilities through their Disabled Students’ Program (DSP). The campus infrastructure is designed to be accessible, and the university offers adaptive sports programs and disability-focused student organizations.
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
- Size: ~40,000 (undergraduate); 400 acres, 0.6 sq miles
- Disability-Related Student Organizations: Yes
- Door-to-Door Accessible Transportation: Yes
Not only does the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the University of Arizona provide academic accommodations for students with disabilities, but the campus is also home to one of the few Disability Cultural Centers (DCC) in the country. The DCC offers a variety of events, programs, and resources for disabled students and disability allies. There are regularly scheduled Neurodivergent Community Hours, movie nights, and discussions as well as a resource library and quiet study space at the DCC.
Ball State University, Muncie, IN
- Size: ~20,000 (total); 731 acres, 1.1 sq miles
- Disability-Related Student Organizations: Yes
- Door-to-Door Accessible Transportation: Yes
With a student population of about 20,000, Ball State University is a mid-sized school that offers a good balance of services and resources for students with disabilities, like those found at larger institutions, but in a mid-sized environment. Ball State provides accommodations through its Office of Disability Services and fosters a supportive community through the Alliance for Disability Awareness (ADA), a student organization dedicated to disability advocacy and awareness on campus. Additionally, the university's Faculty Mentorship Program pairs first-semester students with disabilities with faculty members, ensuring they receive personalized guidance and support as they transition into college.
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
- Size: ~11,000 (total); 651 acres, 1.0 sq miles
- Disability-Related Student Organizations: Yes
- Door-to-Door Accessible Transportation: Yes
Wright State University, located less than ten miles from Downtown Dayton, serves around 11,000 students. Despite its smaller size, the university offers various accommodations for students with disabilities beyond the classroom. The adaptive recreation program allows students to participate in multiple sports and rent all-terrain wheelchairs for outdoor activities. In its dining halls, you’ll find Obi robots—adaptive eating devices to assist students with upper extremity mobility impairments—and on campus, you’ll find a dog park exclusively for students with disabilities who have service dogs.
Are Private Universities Subject to the ADA?
Private universities are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), unless the institution is both private and religious. Private universities must allow disabled students equal access to education, but support systems for students with disabilities can vary from those of larger public schools.
Does the ADA Apply to Non-Secular Colleges?
The ADA does not apply to religious or non-secular colleges and universities due to the constitutional separation of church and state. This means religious institutions, like churches and religious universities, are not required to comply with the ADA. However, some may choose to meet ADA standards voluntarily, so accessibility can vary.
When choosing a college or university, be sure to consider various factors, including your academic goals, the campus social life, and the support available to students with disabilities. Whether you're still exploring your options or have already decided which college you plan to attend, be sure to read our article on tips for college students with disabilities. It offers valuable insights on navigating campus accommodations, finding accessible housing, and exploring financial aid options tailored for students with disabilities.