\u201cI was pretty ecstatic in learning that we were in the top three,\u201d said Thomas Webb, director of disability services<\/a> and Wright State\u2019s coordinator of the Americans with Disabilities Act. \u201cWe\u2019re in really good company when we look at the other universities that are listed there.\u201d<\/p>\n New Mobility magazine, which informs wheelchair users about lifestyle issues, is the membership publication of the United Spinal Association, a nonprofit disability rights and veterans service organization.<\/p>\n The magazine\u2019s Wheels on Campus guide helps students who use wheelchairs make informed decisions on choosing a college or university. The magazine said physical access is critical to the full range of college experience, even in the age of remote learning, and that finding a campus that is 100% accessible is a rarity.<\/p>\n \u201cHere are the pioneers and leaders that consistently offer a wide range of inclusive opportunities in a truly accessible setting,\u201d the magazine wrote of the Top 10 schools.<\/p>\n The magazine sent survey emails to 400 colleges and universities and did in-person reporting at selected campuses, including Wright State.<\/p>\n \u201cIn terms of wheelchair accessibility, the campus is one of the best in the nation,\u201d the magazine wrote of Wright State. \u201cUniversal design principles are present in the centralized main campus of 20 buildings, which are offset around a court of accessible walkways.\u201d<\/p>\n Webb said the magazine did a significant amount of research and legwork to produce the rankings. He said a representative from the magazine came to Wright State to meet with faculty, staff and students and tour the campus.<\/p>\n New Mobility magazine and the United Spinal Association ranked Wright State University No. 3 in the nation for its wheelchair-friendly features and accessibility.<\/p><\/div>\n Wright State goes “beyond the legal minimum of accessibility by providing access underground,\u201d the magazine wrote. \u201cThe tunnels, legendary among the Ohio disability community, are especially important to wheelchair users who need to get to classes and activities during occasional snowstorms.\u201d<\/p>\n Webb said the ranking gives Wright State the opportunity to be recognized and celebrated for something it takes a lot of pride in but is also humble about.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen it comes to students with disabilities, it\u2019s something we\u2019ve excelled at since the 1970s,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat\u2019s reflected in this ranking is that we have often gone above and beyond in what we provide our students with disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n Webb said that includes a personal attendant station that offers assistance and support to students with disabilities.<\/p>\n Webb said Wright State is looking to grow its adaptive recreation program and applied for a grant that would enable the purchase of four-wheel quadcycles that would give students with disabilities access to the wooded trails on campus.<\/p>\n Webb said New Mobility magazine has a broad reach and he believes the ranking will have more potential students, especially those outside of the region, taking a look at Wright State as a possible school to attend. He said it may also prompt other universities to seek out Wright State out as an expert in disability services.<\/p>\n Many of the other colleges ranked by the magazine are much larger than Wright State and have more resources.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of time it boils down to the people who are doing the work day to day and supporting the students,\u201d said Webb. \u201cIt\u2019s a good reflection on what they\u2019ve been working on the past 15 to 20 years just to improve the services we have for students with disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" New Mobility magazine and the United Spinal Association ranked Wright State University No. 3 in the nation for its wheelchair-friendly features and accessibility. Continue reading ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/files\/2020\/12\/campus-2018-20317_0137-508x339.jpg\")
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