Disability friendly?

[woahika]

<p>Ok, I am an international - sorry for typos or silly question or anything else.</p>

<p>I am looking foward to apply at UCSC, next year. The problem is I have some problems in walking: I can walk by myself, but pratically only on plain ground and I can do the stairs only with something to lean on.</p>

<p>I heard that UCSC is near the woods and hills.. is that true? is all the campus like that? Or you can choose if you want to go there or not? are there lots of stairs without something to lean on?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

[collegevetting]

<p>I visited there recently as a parent with a student who was accepted there, and while I am sure they do what they can (I assume they have shuttles etc for people with disabilities) honestly, my impression was of hills and stairs and absolutely soul renewing natural beauty. If my son had those issues I would want to make sure there were ways for him to easily get around, not just to class, but also socially. I’m pretty sure the stairs had railings, but there were a lot of stairs. If you google ucsc images I would expect pictures to show it.</p>

<p>Here is their students with disabilities department, you might want to call them: <a href=“http://drc.ucsc.edu/services/prospective-students/index.html”>http://drc.ucsc.edu/services/prospective-students/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>here is an excerpt from their website but I would want to call them and find out exactly what it would mean to you:</p>

<p>

What is the physical accessibility of the campus?</p>

<p>UCSC is a beautiful campus resting on a hill in the midst of tall California Redwood trees. Due to its natural setting in the woods away from downtown Santa Cruz (about 10-15 minutes), it can also present some physical challenges for those with mobility disabilities.</p>

<p>However, this should not deter any student from considering UCSC. We have had several students with mobility challenges attend UCSC, including those with quadriplegia, visual impairments, cerebral palsy and other conditions. The campus is accessible to all if one is willing to be flexible.
Getting around on campus:</p>

<p>UCSC is hilly with steep inclines. Some power scooters and chairs can navigate parts of the campus, but most students with mobility disabilities rely heavily on the Disability Van Service, which is operated by Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS). The van can provide door to door service throughout campus free of charge with authorization from the DRC.</p>

<p>For those who have DMV handicapped placards or cannot use the Disability Van Service for disability-related reasons, parking authorizations can be obtained from the DRC. For more information on campus policy regarding disability parking, go to Disabled Parking.</p>

<p>If you use a wheelchair or have problems with stairs or hills, check out the ADA Compliance website to find out more about campus access, including guides to accessible routes and elevators on campus.

</p>

<p>the phone number is 831-459-2089 Note that you have to ‘document’ your disability with some sort of doctor’s note to get the accommodations, however I suspect that goes more to people wanting more time for tests because they have learning disabilities. Still, you will want to have your paperwork in order.</p>

<p>However, I do feel I have to say, most of your classmates will be walking off paths through the woods. There are deer there, and they are not tame deer, it is woodlands. Your need to do everything by van, when it is NOT something you would need at many other, flatter, campuses, might be a reason to lean towards another choice, all other things being equal. I would apply, but also apply elsewhere, and use that as one of the things you consider when you are making your final choice.</p>

[woahika]

<p>I will do as you say, thank you! That was very helpful :)</p>