With the collegiate experience becoming available for a multitude of diverse groups, it is imperative that college and university campuses address the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on July 26, 1990, requires all Title II entities, including campuses that receive any type of federal funding, to develop an ADA Self Evaluation and Transition plan to prepare their programs and facilities to meet the needs of persons with disabilities in all aspects of the collegiate experience. Colleges and universities are required to prepare, implement, and maintain these plans.
Transition plans entail a specific process outlined in the ADA and must encompass campus facilities, common areas (sidewalks, footbridges, buildings, etc.), as well as any academic and recreational programs offered by the college or university.
Accessology Transition Plans for Colleges & Universities
College and university campuses are required to identify and evaluate any physical obstacles that can hinder access to programs, services or activities offered by the entity for anyone protected by the ADA. They are also required to provide a detailed assessment of the identified obstacles along with the methods used to remove such obstacles and improve accessibility. Those barriers that have not been removed are required to be listed on the plan with a scheduled date of removal.
Equally as important, if not more important, is the evaluation of every program, service, activity, policy, procedure and plan offered at the entity. This includes a full evaluation of the hiring/firing practices, academic programs, recreational programs, intramural programs, online presence and educational programs, housing program, transportation system and emergency plan, just to name a few. Each program needs to be evaluated to ensure equal access is provided for any student or potential student with a disability.
As part of the transition plan process and to ensure project transparency and accountability, campuses are required to identify those who were enlisted or hired to execute the development and implementation of the transition plan. In addition, campuses are required to schedule each of the steps needed to achieve ADA compliance. These steps should cover the planned amount of time that it will take to achieve barrier removal so individuals protected by the ADA and those who provide oversight for the ADA will know what to expect and when to expect it.
Accessology is a national leader in the development of ADA Self Evaluations and Transition Plans. We have the process broken down into manageable pieces and have been developing comprehensive Transition Plans for many years. Accessology is here to assist with all ADA-related needs colleges and universities might have in developing their ADA transition plan.
