Since a comprehensive accessibility assessment of the George Washington University’s campuses in 2021, the university has completed dozens of projects aimed at improving access to buildings, classrooms and other campus spaces for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
And GW’s accessibility efforts extend beyond the physical campus. Departments and schools across the university are increasingly incorporating accessible practices into academic programming, advising, technology, dining and other areas, with the goal of removing barriers before students encounter them.
The improvements reflect an ongoing commitment to addressing barriers across GW’s campuses.
“We continue to invest in ADA improvements to our buildings to provide an inclusive experience for all members of the GW community,” said Associate Vice President of Campus Development Adam Aaronson. “Given the age of many of our buildings, this takes time and resources. We have made great strides in accessibility through recent major renovations like Thurston and Mitchell halls, and we have made progress through smaller projects like the ramp entries at FSK Hall and the Law School.”
Community input has guided many accessibility related decisions and actions, as the Division for Student Affairs (DSA) works closely with the Division of Safety and Operations (DSO), Disability Support Services (DSS) and other university partners to share input on potential improvements and address issues that affect the student living and learning experience.
GW has a dedicated accessibility committee that brings together representatives from across the university to discuss questions and concerns and coordinate responses.
The committee, which originally focused on digital accessibility matters before expanding to physical accessibility, also advocates for community-wide resources, such as guidance to help student organizations and campus partners learn how to host accessible events.
Resources can be found on the university’s accessibility page, while general feedback is encouraged via the barriers to accessibility form at the footer of all GW websites. The form is a way for community members to report issues that are preventing or hindering their access to the university or its resources.
In 2024, representatives from DSA, DSO, DSS, the Student Government Association and student organizations Disabled Students Collective and Chronic Health Advocates began holding an annual Accessibility Town Hall specifically for community members to voice their concerns, ideas, opinions and questions.
“Every step we take to expand accessibility at GW is an intentional effort to give each student the opportunity to show up as themselves and have the exceptional GW journey they deserve,” said Giulietta Versiglia, assistant vice president of administration and operations in the Division for Student Affairs and adviser to the Chronic Health Advocates. “When students can engage fully with campus resources, opportunities and physical settings without encountering barriers, they feel welcomed, supported and like they truly belong. It is equally important that students are given the chance for a seat at the table and know their voices are heard as we address accessibility improvements.”
The work has included more than 30 new automatic door openers, along with hundreds of adjustments and repairs to existing devices. Crews also have modified accessible door closers, widened door openings, installed and improved ramps and railings, and made entrance and circulation improvements across the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon (MVC) campuses.
Several of the projects completed in the last five years have focused on entrances and routes through campus buildings. In addition to the installation of new automatic door openers and repairs or adjustments to existing devices, door openings were widened in several locations, including the basement of Lisner Auditorium and suites in the Elliott School of International Affairs and the University Student Center.
Accessible, nonelectric door closers also have been improved in more than two dozen buildings, including Gelman Library, Jacob Burns Law Library, Lerner Health and Wellness Center, Madison Hall, Monroe Hall, the Charles E. Smith Center and residence halls in Foggy Bottom and at MVC.
Other work has focused on making stairs and exterior paths easier to navigate. Handrails were installed in buildings such as Bell, Corcoran and Somers halls, Gelman Library, Lisner Auditorium and Lloyd Gym, while exterior railing improvements were completed at Gelman Library, Corcoran Hall and the Corcoran School of Arts and Design. At Bell Hall and the Corcoran building, doors at stairs were replaced to improve accessibility.
Ramp installations have also been a significant part of the work. FSK Hall received interior and exterior Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps, while Stockton Hall received an exterior ADA ramp. Mitchell Hall was made accessible as part of its renovation, including the addition of an exterior ramp and elevators that go to the ninth-floor rooftop terrace. Thurston Hall was made more accessible through its renovation, which was completed prior to the 2022-23 academic year. At Tompkins Hall, exterior striping was added at an accessible entrance.
Accessibility improvements also continue as major projects move forward. At Lisner Auditorium, an elevator installation and two ADA all-person restrooms are currently in process.
Beyond facilities, individual schools and departments, as well as Libraries and Academic Innovation, have undertaken accessibility initiatives tailored to their communities. The School of Nursing, for instance, updated syllabi and Blackboard environments for accessibility and incorporated DSS resources into student communications, orientation and academic success plans. The Office for Student Success has worked with DSS on neurodiversity training for success coaches and conducted individualized campus walkthroughs to map accessible routes for incoming students with significant disabilities.
In the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, faculty have been encouraged to use accessibility tools including Blackboard Ultra and Anthology Ally, while Quality Matters accessibility standards are required for online summer courses developed with instructional designers.
GW Dining has expanded resources for students with food allergies and other dietary needs, including allergen guides, trained ingredient experts, additional food stations and a dedicated quiet room in Shenkman Dining Hall for students with sensory sensitivities.
“I’m so excited about all the ways GW is working to build a more accessible campus,” said DSS Assistant Director Shannon Bernick. “True accessibility is about anticipating our community members’ needs and actively removing obstacles before they become roadblocks. As we remove physical, digital and structural barriers across campus, we open up the full GW experience to everyone."
