Accessibility at WPI

Accessibility at WPI is supported through collaboration with members of our campus community (faculty, students and staff), Colleges of the Worcester Consortium, Worcester area organizations and other community partners.  

We define accessibility from a social perspective and use the principles of Universal Design to guide our work on and off-campus. Read below to learn more about ways you could get involved. We will be continually updating collaboration opportunities and information, so come back often!  

On Campus Accessibility  

ACCESS: Students advocating for campus and educational accessibility.

Comprised of students with disabilities and allies, ACCESS stands for Awareness, Community, Collaboration, Empowerment, Support and Success. ACCESS members seek to support their peers and the WPI community in developing a welcoming, supportive and universally accessible campus.  

Accessibility Advisory Council (AAC) – A Council comprised of faculty, staff, and student representatives, AAC members serve to inspire and promote accessibility and disability advocacy by joining together once per term to share and learn about new and emerging accessibility initiatives all over campus. Members can be directly involved with projects and initiatives and/or serve to bring the information back their respective departments and organizations. If you’d like to be involved with the AAC or would like to collaborate with us, contact the Director of Disability Services to get connected!  

Off-campus Collaboration  

ADAPT – Assumption Disability Awareness Promotion Team was created to increase awareness of the diverse spectrum of individuals with disabilities on the Assumption campus and to promote community outreach.    

AANE – The Asperger's Association of New England (AANE) works with individuals, families, andprofessionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profilesbuild meaningful, connected lives. We do this by providing information, education, community, support, and advocacy, all in an atmosphere of validation and respect.  

Easter Seals, MA – Provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities  

Learn more about:  

Accessible web design guidelines and practices - http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/accessibility.php

Universal Design in Learning - http://www.cast.org/index.html

Physical Accessibility and Architecture; Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) - http://www.mass.gov/eopss/architectural-access-board.html