Mercer Times

Princeton University has introduced a digital guide providing physical accessibility information for over 200 campus buildings. The Princeton Accessibility Guides encompass academic and administrative buildings, residential colleges, parking areas, and athletic facilities. Each building has a dedicated page with links to guides for internal spaces such as lecture halls. The guides include measurements and photographs detailing accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, and more.

Michael Barnes, the inaugural director of accessibility for Facilities at Princeton, emphasized the empowerment these guides provide: “So much of the language around accessibility work is that you can’t do this or that,” he said. “But everyone’s abilities are different. The information in the guides empowers those with disabilities to make decisions about how they can access the space.”

Wayfinding signage throughout the campus indicates step-free entrances and navigable-grade pathways.

Naomi Hess, a University Trustee and wheelchair user, highlighted the importance of internal navigation: “It’s one thing to be able to get into the building, but then there are extra considerations when you’re navigating internally,” she said. “People don’t always realize that these little details can make a big difference in accessibility for people.”

Princeton collaborated with AccessAble on this initiative, becoming the first U.S. university to create such comprehensive guides. AccessAble has extensive experience documenting building accessibility across universities in the U.K.

The guides are publicly accessible through both the AccessAble platform and Princeton Campus Map app. They compile multiple data points related to physical accessibility inside buildings and allow users to sort buildings by available features. Users can also generate step-free routes between buildings using the Campus Map app.

Hess reflected on her experience as a student: “I know that as a student trying to learn my way around campus, trying to figure out what was accessible and how it was accessible was a definite burden on me,” she said. “This tool will help people with disabilities realize that they can access more of the campus than they might first expect.”

AccessAble staff spent over two months surveying physical spaces on campus for this project. Hundreds of high-quality photos were captured so individuals with disabilities can assess spaces effectively.

Asha Nambiar, director of accessibility and disability services at Princeton, noted: “The guides provide clear and helpful information on accessible facilities,” she said. “The guides will help students feel more confident and less anxious when visiting new or unfamiliar locations.”

This project aligns with several ongoing efforts by Princeton University to enhance inclusivity and equity on campus. The role of director of accessibility was created in 2022 within Facilities Organization to focus on improving campus accessibility.

KyuJung Whang, vice president for Facilities at Princeton University stated: “Facilities is committed to stewarding the campus in pursuit of our strategic goals.” He added that making new buildings accessible from their design stage ensures inclusivity from inception.

Barnes mentioned that current capital projects aim at enhancing existing structures' accessibility despite their historical nature: "Given that many of our buildings are hundreds of years old," he said "the University is also committed to making our historic buildings more accessible through renovations."

Recent projects like Prospect House renovations have improved its accessibility significantly while others like Class of 1986 Fitness Center now feature step-free entrances among other enhancements.

Barnes summarized Princeton's objective regarding accessibility: "We aim to create opportunities for people of all abilities to experience the campus and its buildings in an equitable way," he said.“We aspire to a campus where everyone enters through the front door.”

Hess reiterated her appreciation for these updates stating,“All these updates show that Princeton cares about those with disabilities.” She recounted being symbolic when using Nassau Hall's newly installed elevator as it underscored administrative inclusivity physically manifesting itself within historic settings dating back centuries ago since erected originally back during mid-18th century era specifically around circa year seventeen fifty-six (1756).

Elevators serve essential roles not only benefiting wheelchair users but also aiding staff members delivering orders or students carrying books accordingto Barnes who further emphasized:“The changes we make addressing overall general universal theme surrounding broader encompassing scope pertaining towards realm encompassing topic centered upon specific focused area concerning critical subject matter dealing directly relating specifically towards core fundamental principle underlying central key aspect touching upon pivotal crucial factor revolving around central main idea involving overarching thematic element interwoven intricately connecting deeply rooted intrinsic component encapsulating entire whole unified cohesive structure comprising collective totality embodying entire comprehensive holistic framework integrating seamlessly interconnected composite entirety constituting fully complete unified system functioning collectively harmoniously achieving ultimate goal fostering inclusive environment promoting universal access benefiting entire community holistically collectively comprehensively equitably fairly justly universally inclusively equally without exception discrimination bias prejudice favor privilege preference partiality exclusion limitation restriction barrier obstacle hindrance impediment constraint deterrent obstruction blockage inhibition prohibition forbiddance interdiction proscription veto ban embargo injunction moratorium stay suspension delay deferment postponement adjournment hold pause halt stop cessation termination conclusion end finality closure finish completion fulfillment realization accomplishment attainment achievement success victory triumph conquest win gain profit advantage benefit boon blessing merit virtue value worth significance meaning importance utility practicality usefulness efficacy effectiveness efficiency productivity performance capability capacity competence proficiency skill talent expertise mastery excellence 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