Physical Accessibility

SUNY Geneseo is committed to ensuring that its physical facilities are accessible to all. However, barriers to accessibility may arise due to many of Geneseo's buildings being built prior to accessibility requirements and due to the inclement weather of snow and ice that Geneseo experiences during the winter months.

The following list of physical accessibility requirements and recommendations is based upon a similar list located on the University of Buffalo's web page regarding physical accessibility.

Report physical barriers to the Office of Accessibility.

Wheelchair Maneuvering

  • Hallways, passageways, and other routes must allow for wheelchair access and must all be a minimum of 36 inches wide. 
  • When routes go around obstructions, additional clear space must be allowed.
  • Toilet rooms and other areas must provide space for wheelchair users to turn around.
  • All surfaces must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Thick, soft, or loose carpeting can make wheelchair maneuvering difficult. Therefore, carpeting must be firmly secured and of appropriate height and pile height and texture. 
  • Changes in level must be ramped. 
  • Openings in grates can be hazardous to those using wheelchairs or canes. These opening cannot exceed more than half an inch and must be perpendicular to the direction of travel. 

Doors

  • Clearance space is required beyond the latch side of doors for optimum maneuverability. Latch-side space of at least 18 inches is necessary for a forward approach. The clearance space in front of that door must be at least 60 inches deep for the pull side of doors. 
  • For the push side of doors, clearance space of 48 inches is required in front of the door, with at least 12 inches of latch-side space. 
  • Shelves or other such fixed objects cannot obstruct door openings.
  • Thresholds cannot exceed half an inch. Thresholds greater than a quarter of an inch must be beveled at the edges. 
  • Heavy doors, or doors with strong closers, will be difficult for individuals with a mobility impairment to open. The force to open interior doors cannot exceed five pounds. 

Toilet Rooms

  • Toilets must be located with sufficient clear space in order to allow for an approach by an individual who uses a wheelchair. 
  • Grab bars near toilets are necessary.
  • Flush controls must be reachable.
  • Sinks, soap and towel dispensers, and hand dryers must be located at a height that is accessible to individuals who use wheelchairs. 
  • There should be sufficient space in single-user bathrooms so as to allow an individual who uses a wheelchair to turn around. 
  • There should be one accessible lavatory in each multi-user bathroom. 
  • Dual grab bars should be implemented to allow access for individuals with mobility impairments. 

Protruding Objects

  • Objects that are higher than 80 inches tall do not present hazards. Protruding objects higher than 27 inches, those detectable by a cane, are also allowed.
  • Protruding objects that are between 27-80 inches tall are hazardous.
  • Protrusions greater than 4 inches from a wall represent hazards.
  • Objects such as fire extinguishers should be recessed so as to not be hazardous. 
  • In the case of fixed objects, such as sculptures, with protrusions, railings or platforms should be implemented.

Parking and Passenger Loading Zones

  • Parking lots must have accessible parking spaces that have sufficient space and access aisles. Two spaces may share access aisles. 
  • Access aisles must provide enough space so as to allow for maneuvering to and from the vehicle. 
  • The number of required accessible spaces depends on the size of the parking lot. 
  • Accessible parking spaces must be indicated by signage. 

The following link contains further information regarding parking for people with disabilities at SUNY Geneseo. 

Classrooms

  • Arrangements may be made within classrooms for a table, alternative chair or other equipment.
  • Seating must allow for a clear sight of the instructor and allow for participation.
  • Labs and fieldwork sites must allow for accessibility.

Audio/Visual Equipment

  • AV equipment should be placed on work surfaces between 28 and 34 inches above the floor. 
  • AV equipment that is wall mounted should be between 15 and 48 inches above the floor
  • Ensure that the AV equipment includes an assistive listening system for individuals with hearing impairments. 

To report a barrier to accessibility, follow the instructions given by Geneseo's guidelines on Reporting a Physical Barrier.