Andy Cofino, assistant vice president for diversity, belonging and well-being at Princeton, speaks on a panel at the event. Photo courtesy of the Office of Facilities.
The Nov. 21 presentation and panel discussion event, hosted by Facilities, further introduced the new Princeton Accessibility Guides and highlighted the University's commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The guides, launched in September of 2024, were developed in collaboration with AccessAble, a UK-based organization specializing in accessibility solutions. They include physical accessibility information for more than 200 buildings on campus.
Dr. Gregory Burke, founder and chief executive of AccessAble, shared the ethos behind their work and the value their tools bring to institutions like Princeton. "AccessAble was formed from a conviction, a belief that disabled people should be a part of, not apart from society," Burke said.
He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the guides. The Princeton Accessibility Guides provide information on accessibility features — from entranceways to restrooms, lighting levels and floor types — for facilities such as dormitories, parking garages, teaching spaces and athletic facilities.
The panel discussion that followed featured insights from various University representatives and students. Naomi Hess, a 2022 graduate, University Trustee and advocate for accessibility, shared her experiences navigating the campus. "There's such a big variation depending on the age of the building," Hess said. "The older residential buildings are some of the biggest problems right now. But I've seen progress in accessibility on campus largely due to the efforts of Mike Barnes and the Office of Accessibility. As a student, Butler College was amazing, and it was the perfect living situation for me."
Karen Christianson, a current graduate student and AccessAbility Center Fellow, echoed Hess' sentiments and emphasized the importance of inclusive design. "If everyone could enter the building in the same way or leave the building in the same way, that could definitely create more of a sense of belonging and inclusion," Christianson said.
Andy Cofino, Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Belonging, and Wellbeing, stressed the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration: "We need to continue to create opportunities for us to listen to community members so that we can create responsive change that is in support of all, including Princetonians with disabilities."
With the on-going design, renovation and new construction on campus, Facilities is working towards a campus that provides experiential equity to those of all abilities. As Princeton University moves forward with these initiatives, the new accessibility guides represent a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.