Assessment of Accessibility in High-Traffic Facilities on Midwest College Campuses in the United States: An Awareness Study

Individuals with disabilities encounter many barriers while engaging in everyday activities within the community. This study aimed to evaluate the accessibility of existing facilities of six colleges and universities within West Michigan to help promote greater awareness of accessibility and inclusive learning environments from a public health perspective. This study may also suggest that national and international campuses could benefit from considering accessibility evaluations of their own. The study utilized the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities (on the parameters of reasonable accommodation as defined in Title III of the ADA). The four structures were chosen based on which college students most frequented buildings. Results revealed that none of the six colleges and universities evaluated were 100% ADA compliant, with the entrance to buildings being the predominant ADA issue. These inadequate areas need to be acknowledged and modified to allow for inclusivity among all students in attendance. It is suggested that accessibility plans be incorporated into future building and landscape architecture to accommodate students best.