Have you ever considered how a seemingly insignificant step or a malfunctioning automatic door might represent an insurmountable barrier for someone with mobility challenges? In our pursuit of academic excellence, we must prioritize creating inclusive and accessible campus environments for all community members. At SUNY Brockport, the Office of Student Accessibility Services is leading efforts to improve campus accessibility—and your participation is vital.

Imagine these scenarios: A student using crutches struggles to climb five flights of stairs when an elevator fails. A professor using a wheelchair cannot reach their office because of a broken curb cut. A visually impaired student gets lost due to missing signage. These seemingly minor obstacles significantly impact academic success and quality of life.

The solution is simple: Be observant and report any accessibility barriers you encounter. Common issues include:

• Elevator malfunctions: As critical vertical transportation, out-of-service elevators create major obstacles. Prompt reporting helps restore access.
• Automatic door failures: When automatic doors malfunction, they become difficult to open manually—sometimes impossible for some individuals.
• Damaged ramps or curb cuts: These essential pathways for wheelchair users and parents with strollers become hazardous when damaged.
• Inaccessible classroom furniture: Improper desk heights or lack of specialized furniture creates unnecessary learning challenges.
• Blocked accessible pathways: Illegally parked vehicles, stored items, or temporary obstructions can completely block access routes.

SUNY Brockport provides an online service platform for reporting accessibility barriers. Simply click the "Report an Access Barrier" button, complete the service ticket with details about the issue and location, and the university can take prompt action.

Effective reports should include:

• Detailed problem description: Specify whether an elevator is stuck between floors, an automatic door won't fully open, or a ramp has surface damage.
• Precise location: Identify the exact building, floor, and specific area where the barrier exists.
• Contact information: Provide your details if follow-up questions might help resolve the issue.

Every report contributes to building a more inclusive campus. Removing accessibility barriers benefits not only individuals with disabilities but also seniors, pregnant individuals, parents with strollers, and anyone needing temporary assistance. Ultimately, the entire community gains from these improvements.

Small actions create meaningful change. By working together, we can build a campus environment that demonstrates care and respect for all members of our academic community.