The Americans with Disabilities Act and University Communication Centers

Abstract

University communication centers are intended to help all students succeed, so compliance with the ADA is crucial. In order to check for compliance, communication center directors need to make sure the physical space, technology, and required training for employees are sufficient to meet the varying needs of students with disabilities. Because communication centers are smaller sites within a larger university, many of these compliance activities are the result of creative and/or experimental innovations to the space and services offered. This paper will demonstrate these moments of ingenuity in action and make suggestions for improvements to provide inspiration and advice to other communication centers.