Imagining Access >> crip computing

• multiple accessible entrances with door buttons
• Three elevators that go to every floor
• meeting rooms that can be reserved
• vending machines (located on the 3rd floor near elevators)
• microwave (located in the common area on 3rd floor)
• wheelchair accessible bathrooms (located on 3rd floor)
• printers (located on the 6th floor)
• multiple computers (located on floors 5 and 6)

Palmer Commons is a relatively accessible building. There are several entrances with door buttons. There are two sets of elevators that go to every floor. The main entrance elevator is located directly in the main lobby. The other set of elevators can be inaccessible. To access the elevators, there is a door without a door button. This door is usually held open by a door stopper, however, sometimes the door stopper is removed. On the main floor, there are study spaces that are wheelchair accessible. There is also a wheelchair accessible bathroom located on the main floor. The main floor can get busy, however, there is usually room to move around. On the other floors, the study spaces can be harder to access.

On the sensory side of things, Palmer Commons has a variety of different sensory environments. If you prefer to study around other people and don’t like quietness while studying, the main floor (3rd floor) common area is a great place for that. However, if you prefer a quieter place to study with limited distractions the upper level floors (4th, 5th, and 6th) contain a variety of places for you. There are fewer people on the upper floors allowing for fewer destruction and less noise. Some of the upper level study spaces are located next to elevators which can be distracting. Throughout the whole building there are a lot of windows which means a lot of natural light. If you are sitting by the windows, you may get hot when the sun is out and cold during the winter time. Lastly, there is a microwave in the commons area on the main floor. If you are bothered by scents then maybe one of the upper floors would be better for you.  

For more information visit the Palmer Commons Website.

• multiple accessible entrances with door buttons
• elevators that go to every floor
• ramp on the 1st floor to study areas
• multiple water bottle fillers
• wheelchair accessible bathrooms
• printers on the 2nd floor and in the basement

Overall, the Central Campus Classroom Building is an accessible building. All of the entrances have door buttons. There are two elevators that go to every floor. There is also a ramp that leads to the higher flooring on the main floor. There are individual  wheelchair accessible restrooms along with wheelchair accessible stalls in the communal restrooms. There is a variety of seating options: high tables, lower tables, and booth booth seating. There are also several white boards either on the walls or on wheels, however, you do have to bring your own markers and erasers.

On the sensory side of things, the Central Campus Classroom Building has a few different sensory environments. Most of the study areas are moderately loud with a little chatter. The basement and the upper levels are quieter than the main floor, however there are few to no private, quiet study spaces. The building has many classrooms, so in between classes the building gets very busy and loud. Throughout the whole building there are a lot of windows which means a lot of natural light. If you are sitting by the windows, you may get hot when the sun is out and cold during the winter time.

For more information visit the Central Campus Classroom Building.

• glass skylight in atrium
• elevators going to all floors
• communal kitchen
• wheelchair accessible bathroom
• water bottle fillers on all floors
• composting toilets
• accessible entrance on side of building

Overall, Dana Natural Resources Building is only semi-accessible for those with a wheelchair, crutches, or mobility issue. The two main entrances for the building involve going up a half-flight of stairs to get into the building, then immediately another half-flight to get to the main floor. There is an accessible entrance on the side of the building which leads into an entrance room with stairs and an elevator. The elevator itself if pretty spacious with low buttons, and auditory cues for floor level and doors opening or closing. The main floor study space has plenty of space between tables for navigation, however, at times when large groups are in there bags clutter the floor space. The fourth floor study space also has plenty of space between the tables, but there are fewer tables so finding a spot will likely be difficult.

On the sensory side of things, Dana has a variety of sensory friendly features depending on your needs. If you go upstairs you can find a mostly quiet space with lots of natural lighting. This space is also mostly secluded and has no outside facing windows, which helps to limit distractions from movement. On the main level the volume is higher, providing a constant buzz in the background, and again no windows helping to minimize outside distractions. On the other hand, the communal kitchen is located on the main floor, so if you are bothered by scents it can be overwhelming at times people are cooking.

For more information visit the Dana Natural Resources Building website.