The Princeton Accessibility Guides empower users with the information they need to navigate the inside of campus buildings. Spaces like the Lewis Center for the Arts have been intentionally designed to have accessible pathways. Photo by Matthew Raspanti, Office of Communications.
How Princeton faculty and staff can help make Princeton more inclusive by incorporating digital guides into their daily work.
Launched in September 2024, the Princeton Accessibility Guides share physical accessibility information for more than 200 buildings owned or operated by the University. Princeton partnered with AccessAble, a leader in the field of disability-access information, to create the guides, which serve as a vital resource for navigating campus.
The University encourages faculty and staff to integrate the digital access guides into their work practices, supporting Princeton’s efforts to ensure that people of all abilities have a positive experience on campus and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Navigating the Princeton Accessibility Guides
The comprehensive, user-friendly guides include information about campus buildings and off-campus spaces, including academic and administrative buildings, residential colleges, parking and athletic facilities. They also feature photographs depicting key elements of the spaces, with details on accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms and more to aid navigation.
The guides are free and open to the public on the AccessAble platform and the Princeton Campus Map app. Search the Accessibility Guide website for guides and routes by building name or category.
How to use the guides in your work
Digital communication: Faculty and staff are encouraged to include a direct link to the accessibility guide for their building location in event materials and on departmental websites, so visitors can easily access location-specific information.
Planning campus events and meetings:
- Room selection: The guides offer information about accessible entrances, adjustable furniture, assistive listening systems, Braille signage and videoconferencing tools for individuals with hearing or visual impairments. Planners can use this information to select the most suitable option based on the potential needs of attendees.
- Navigating campus: For visitors with mobility impairments, the guides help locate routes and parking. The Princeton Campus Map app (available for download on Android and iOS) also generates step-free, low-slope routes between buildings and accesses the building’s Accessibility Guide.
- Parking and transportation: Accessible parking areas and drop-off zones are significant details to consider when planning an event. The guides enable staff to locate and communicate the location of these spaces.
- Advance communication: Staff can consult the guides to inform participants about the features of the meeting space, helping those with specific needs prepare for events. Add a message in event confirmation communications to allow time to meet specific participant needs; e.g., “To request disability-related accommodations, please email [contact] at least a week in advance.”
- Best practices and resources: Refer to the How to Host Accessible In-Person Events checklist provided by OIT’s Digital Accessibility Program.
The Princeton Accessibility Guides are among several ongoing University efforts to build a more accessible, inclusive and equitable campus. Users can indicate changes at a location by selecting the “something’s changed” option in the building’s guide. Additionally, periodic updates integrate new and existing buildings at Princeton into the guides. For any questions or feedback about accessibility at Princeton or specific guides, email [email protected].