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Enhancing Physical Accessibility on Campus

Since the formation of its working group—which includes both a core team and a larger group of cross-campus subject matter experts and stakeholders— the Enhancing Physical Accessibility Working Group issued a request to perform a comprehensive ADA Transition Plan Survey for all university-owned buildings and grounds on the Ann Arbor campuses and has already launched several promising programs designed to assess current accessibility gaps and needs, leading ultimately to a transition plan.

A person with a white cane stepping out of an MCity vehicle

Click here to read the original Action Item

Progress to Date

Already, the working group can point to several “early win” projects, among them:

Non-Accessible Entry Signage – An initiative is underway to provide signage at non-accessible entrances (1,194 in all) on general fund buildings across the Ann Arbor Campus to indicate where the nearest accessible entry is located, per ADA Section 216 of the Access Board Regulations (see a photo of older sign example). New signage will use the new dynamic accessible symbols adopted in October 2023. The expected completion for this work is September 2025.

A graphic of a person using a wheelchair next to a sign saying that a location is not accessible

Adult Changing Stations - On June 1, 2024, the U-M Building Code Committee adopted code requiring adult changing stations in new buildings that contain spaces for assembly, mercantile exchanges, business for education beyond 12th grade, educational K-12 occupancies, and renovations. These single-occupant accessible restrooms must be available within 2,000 feet of travel and must not require users to traverse more than two floors.

Hatcher Library Ramp Project - A project design has been funded to replace the Hatcher Library east ramp in order to provide an accessible entry on the North side of Hatcher off the Diag. Currently, the only accessible entry is located on the South side of the building. Approval for construction funding is currently underway.

Responsible Unit(s): Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Office of the Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, Michigan Medicine