Student Life

Physical Access

Building Access 

WIU maintains compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended. As our core values suggest, we are committed to providing equal opportunities and access for all. There are many ways in which WIU seeks to not only meet minimal legal standards, but to go above and beyond what is required by law. When possible, WIU designs buildings in a manner that offers a greater degree of accessibility and convenience for a variety of situations through the implementation of universal design (UD) strategies. Also known as human-centered design, UD is a process rooted in architecture that can be applied to all aspects of higher education to create inclusive, equitable and sustainable environments that welcome a diverse population.

Historical Buildings

Some buildings on campus were built prior the enactment of disability legislation mandating the removal of architectural barriers. Barrier removal in historical structures can be a challenge. However, WIU is committed to providing the most equitable access possible. As such, historical buildings have been retrofitted to account for use by a diverse population.

Pedestrian routes 

Because of natural barriers, such as steep hills, not all pedestrian routes on campus are considered accessible routes. You may  view accessible pedestrian routes here . Accessible routes are indicated by lavender shading.

Natural barriers

The WIU Macomb campus terrain varies from flat land to steep hills. A hilly terrain poses a natural barrier for some individuals with disabilities. The campus addresses this natural barrier by offering alternate mobility routes. To view accessible routes,  visit the campus map. In addition, the campus aims to lessen the impact of the hilly terrain through creative master planning.

WIU is located in Macomb, Illinois, a small town in the Midwestern portion of the United States. In this region, weather can be unpredictable and winter weather ranges from mild to severe. Snow and ice can be a physical barrier for everyone. However, it can pose particular accessibility issues for individuals with mobility or vision impairments and certain medical conditions. To assist faculty, staff, students and visitors with disabilities with navigating campus in snowy weather, the SDSC provides information regarding snow removal, safety and winter weather resources. Visit Snow Removal  to view this information.

Snow removal

Clearing snow from campus walks is both a science and an art. Warning time, type of snow, type of surface, phases of melting and re-freezing, wind speeds and temperature can all impact the effectiveness of snow removal.  At times, walks that have been previously cleared may appear to be untouched by removal crews due to blowing and drifting of snow. Nonetheless, WIU snow removal crews work days, nights, evenings and weekends to ensure routes are clear for travel.

To facilitate focused use of resources during snow, WIU has identified a priority snow removal route. This route is accessible and connects all campus buildings and accessible parking spaces. View the  Priority Snow Route map  in preparation for travel during winter weather. This route has been reviewed and approved by staff from Facilities Management, Disability Resources, GoWest, University Housing and Dining, members of the ADA Advisory Committee, and Inter-Hall Council.

Master planning

While WIU maintains compliance with ADA standards, recently, Facilities Management added a universal design statement to the WIU design guidelines that all architectural and engineering firms doing business with WIU must follow. Additionally, accessibility is one of the major components in the University's Master Plan Strategic Renovation Matrix, a tool used to determine renovation priorities on campus.

Reporting physical access barriers

Physical barriers in buildings or grounds should be reported immediately to Facilities Management at 309-298-1834 or the Student Development and Success Center at 309-298-1884.

Emergencies

For information about what to do in case of an emergencies, such as natural disasters, fire, violent crimes, etc. see the University's Emergency Reference Guide.

If you experience an urgent access situation before 8:00am or after 4:30pm please contact OPS at 309-298-1949 or dial 911.

If you are stuck in an elevator, pressing the emergency call button will connect you with OPS. If you experience a non-emergency elevator breakdown in the residence halls, you should contact the front desk of the residence hall where the breakdown occurs.