Creating a Safe, Supportive Space

An important thing to remember is that a diagnosis very rarely gives us the full story. Try to avoid discussing diagnoses (unless a student brings it up) and, instead, focus on their story. What do they do well? In which areas do they need support? Who are they and how does their disability interact with and intersect their other identities?

Be mindful of others in the vicinity overhearing confidential information that is shared with you, especially when students disclose medical or clinical information to you. Consider setting up your office, both physical and digital, to be ready to support students who need to share confidential information with you.

Man in front of the counter writing on a document while being assisted by the woman behind the counter
Man standing in a hallway with his German Sheppard service dog.

Physical accessibility is important. Be prepared to have visitors and students with mobility disabilities in our offices and buildings. Make sure there are no obstructions in any walkways (e.g. bulky chairs or cables):

        • There should be, at minimum, a 36-inch wide unobstructed pathway from the entrance to other areas within your office. These "accessible routes" help create an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment

        • Ensure there is plenty of room in offices and hallways, so that visitors and students in wheelchairs, canes, scooters, and crutches, can independently navigate your space

        • Report nonfunctioning elevators right away to facilities

        • Report to facilities any spaces on campus where you see visitors, faculty, students, and staff members struggling to get from one place to another. Everyone has a part to play in accessibility

        • Use the Campus Accessibility Barrier Form to report these barriers

Icons for the most common symptoms of light sensitivity. The four symptoms are headache, eye pain, anxiety, and nausea.

Be mindful of lighting in your area. When hallways and offices are too dark, people with vision impairments can get hurt. However, if there are very bright florescent lights in your office, it can be harmful to people with migraines, sensitive eyes, and those prone to seizures.

Keep office spaces sanitary:

It can be detrimental to students and visitors with suppressed immune systems and other chronic health illnesses (e.g. cancer, pregnancy, allergies to dust, etc.) when our offices and buildings are not clean.

Here are important tips:

  • Don't come to work if you think you may be contagious (because you could be putting someone's life in danger)

  • Wipe down areas that visitors touch regularly (e.g. door handles, pens, arm rests, countertops)

  • Avoid having strong scents in the area that can trigger migraines, respiratory distress, and other concerns

Lint roller with legos stuck to it.

Some people have trichophobia, which is a fear of hair. So please use a lint roller regularly to remove hair, dust, and debris off of seating areas.

Student adjusting her glasses.

All flyers, handouts, and forms should be in easy-to-read font. Whenever possible, use at least 14 point font and double space to accommodate those with visual impairments and reading disorders. Digital flyers should include the plaintext for screen-readers and text-to-speech programs.

Use high-contrast colors: Black text on white background; White text on black background; Black text on yellow background; Yellow text on black background; Green text on black background; Yellow text on blue background; Blue text on yellow background; Grayscale display

Make sure all signs are in easy to read font and that the font is big enough that people with visual impairments are able to read them.

Include braille interpretation of your signage, too.


Example of a sign with large text and good contrast.