Creating Accessible Spaces

The University is committed to providing accessible information in all forms.

Physical accessibility is a legal requirement, and is the responsibility of all faculty and staff on our campus.

Campus Standards for Physical Accessibility and Inclusion

  • Physical accessibility standards for UNC Charlotte are equal to, or in addition to, Federal ADA standards for Accessible Design. In some areas of design, campus standards are more stringent than ADA standards, but do not violate Federal or State standards.
  • Designing accessible spaces requires planning that considers the needs of all users who may have low vision, blindness, a temporary or permanent mobility impairment, hearing loss, medical disorder, age related limitations, or several of these concerns.
  • Utilizing a universal design perspective (design that provides access to all) when pre-planning campus buildings and pathways adds little cost in the planning stage, but saves countless dollars of expensive retro-fitting later.

Contractors, Vendors, and other entities serving our campus must follow the Campus Design Manual, which includes Appendix B: Campus Standards for Accessibility and Inclusion

Applicable Federal and State Standards may include the following:

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

ABA Standards

North Carolina Building Code

PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Equitable Use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.

Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Simple, Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.

Size and Space for Approach & Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.