April 10, 2025 By Caleb Wessels, Interdisciplinary Trainee Accessibility wins on campus Accessibility is a requirement for any university to make sure all students are successful. Thankfully, the University of Idaho has many accessible features across their Moscow campus. Let’s explore a few examples. If you need help finding accessible facilities anywhere on campus, check out CDAR’s interactive accessibility campus map. You can see every accessible feature of every campus building. Elevators Most buildings on campus are multi-level. This can pose a significant problem for people who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes. Thankfully many buildings have accessible elevators. The Idaho Student Union Building, Education Building and University of Idaho Library are a few examples. These elevators have wide doors, reachable control buttons with braille alternatives, and they come with floor guides to decrease confusion (and long elevator rides). Features like these are a must for multi-story buildings, not only for students and faculty who use mobility aids, but also for people moving large items like tables for events. It’s a great example of how accessibility features help everyone –not just a few individuals. Automatic Doors Heavy doors, especially those that open outward, can make it difficult for some people with disabilities to enter buildings. Thankfully, many places, such as the Student Rec Center, the Albertson Building, and the Integrated Research and Innovation Center have accessible door openers. These devices push the doors open and keep them open while people move through them. This lets people enter without having to rely on others to hold doors open. Automatic doors are extremely helpful for those using mobility aids, but anyone can benefit from them! Imagine having to struggle opening a heavy door with an armful of large boxes. It’s another great example of an accessibility featuring that benefits the entire community. Bathrooms Everyone uses the bathroom; it’s just a fact of life! That’s why it’s so important for the University to have accessible bathrooms. All buildings must have bathrooms that meet accessibility requirements. Some buildings on campus also have an accessible, private restroom for anyone to use. This includes a doorway wide enough for a wheelchair, clear floor space and an accessible stall. They must also have accessible sink heights with appropriate taps. These spaces ensure people with disabilities can access basic facilities as well as occupy the spaces in which they’re located for long periods of time. These accessibility features are vital for classes, social outings with friends, or long study periods in the library. Walkways Recently, the University of Idaho completed a renovation of the sidewalk and driveway up to a parking lot by the College of Business Education and Administration Building. This new walkway boasts an accessible sidewalk. This new sidewalk features tactile paving elements to assist people in crossing the street, and a light, stair-free grade to allow students with mobility aids to reach these important buildings. The University is home to many accessible pedestrian features. Many hills are equipped with accessible grades for wheelchair users, tactile paving is present in most crosswalk spaces, and ramps are available for students to enter and exit sidewalks around campus. Vandal Access Shuttle One of the best accessibility features on campus is the Vandal Access Shuttle. The Shuttle provides access to any building or space on campus for individuals experiencing a short- or long-term disability or condition that limits mobility. In order to use the shuttle, you must provide a doctor’s note. Information about who can use the shuttle, and how to access this service can be found on the Parking and Transportation Services website.