University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Overview: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a mid-sized public university in Whitewater, Wisconsin, with roughly 9,000 - 10,000 undergraduate students. It is especially well known for its adaptive athletic programs, which attract wheelchair users from across the country. Compared to larger campuses, Whitewater offers a more compact layout and quieter college-town environment, which can make day-to-day life feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Physical Navigation: Getting around campus is generally straightforward, largely because of its size and layout.

Sidewalks are paved and connected across campus, with curb cuts at intersections.
Most academic buildings are within 5-10 minutes of each other.

Most buildings include:

Step-free entrance.
Automatic doors at main entrances (less consistent at side entrances).
Elevator access to upper floors.

Because distances are shorter, students at smaller universities are less dependent on transportation than those at larger universities.

Wisconsin winters are a major factor. Snow and ice can affect ramps and sidewalks, and while the university clears paths, conditions can still make navigation more difficult at times.

Accessible Living: Whitewater offers accessible housing across several residence halls, with accommodations assigned based on individual needs.

Rooms:

Wider doorways (ADA standard - 32 inches).
Open layouts for wheelchair turning space.
Adjustable furniture depending on request.

Bathrooms:

Roll-in showers with grab bars.
Accessible sinks
Primarily communal or shared bathroom setups.
Limited private bathroom options depending on availability.

Students request housing accommodations through disability services, and placement is coordinated before move-in.

Housing is accessible and functional, but it does not include built-in personal care support or medical-style setups. Students who need daily assistance must arrange caregivers separately.

Campus Transportation: Transportation is minimal compared to larger campuses.

There is no large, high-frequency campus bus system.
The campus is designed to be walkable/rollable due to its size.
Limited local transportation options in the surrounding area.

Most students rely on independent mobility. This works well because of the campus size, but during winter or for longer trips off campus, transportation options are more limited.

What Makes This Campus Stand Out?

Manageable Campus

Unlike large universities, this campus is compact and easier to navigate, with most buildings within a short distance. This reduces reliance on transportation and makes day-to-day movement more realistic.

Adaptive Sports

This campus is nationally recognized for its adaptive athletics. With competitive programs, it offers more variety than most schools and attracts athletes from across the U.S.

Community

Because of its size and focus on adaptive programs, the campus has a tight-knit disability community. Students often find it easier to connect with others, get support, and feel included in smaller schools than in larger ones.

Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports Programs Include:

Wheelchair basketball (men's & women's, nationally competitive).
Wheelchair tennis.
Wheelchair track and field.

These are not casual programs - they compete at a high level and are a major part of the school's identity.

Student Organizations

Whitewater offers 180+ student organizations, and a few active disability-related groups that create community and leadership opportunities.

DREAM (Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring):

Focuses on advocacy, policy change, and disability awareness.
Provides peer support and mentorship.
Open to students with and without disabilities.

Delta Alpha Pi (DAP) International Honor Society:

An academic honor society for students with disabilities.
Requires certain GPA + disability documentation.

Medical Access

Whitewater offers accessible and reliable routine healthcare. It works well for students with general health needs, but those requiring frequent or specialized care should plan for off-campus services and transportation.

University Health & Counseling Services (UHCS):

Located in the Ambrose Health Center.
Open Monday - Friday during business hours.
Services include treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, physical exams, vaccinations, lab testing, mental health counseling, and psychiatry referrals.

UHCS is designed for routine care and will refer students to specialized or emergency care when needed.

Hospitals & Off-Campus Care:

Fort HealthCare Hospital (10-15 minutes from campus).
Most prescriptions are filled at local pharmacies, such as Walgreens.

Disability Services (CSD)

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD)at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater provides academic accommodations and accessibility support for students with documented disabilities.

Services Provided: CSD primarily focuses on making academics more accessible and manageable.

Extended time on exams and quizzes.
Reduced distraction in private testing spaces.
Note-taking assistance or access to lecture materials.
Alternative format textbooks (audio, digital, enlarged text).
Priority registration for class scheduling

They also coordinate with professors to ensure classrooms are accessible and accommodations are implemented properly.

Housing & Accessibility Support: CSD works directly with university housing to coordinate accessible living arrangements.

Placement in accessible dorm rooms.
Bathroom and room modifications based on need.
Approval for medical or mobility-related housing request.

How It Works: Students must submit documentation of their disability and meet with a CSD advisor. Students will then receive an official accommodation letter and have to share accommodations with professors each semester.

CDS is known for being responsive, especially compared to larger universities. Because Whitewater is smaller, students often get more individualized attention. However, the focus is mostly on academic access, not daily living or medical support.

Contact Information:

Phone: (262) 472-4711
Location: 750 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190
Website: CSD

Available Scholarships

At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, disability related scholarships are offered through the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD). Students typically apply through the university's scholarship system and may be considered for multiple awards based on eligibility.

UWW offers several specific scholarships for students registered with CSD, including:

How It Works:

Students must be registered with CSD.
Apply through the university scholarship program.
Typically requires a short essay (300-600 words).

Whitewater offers a good variety of targeted disability scholarships, including options specifically for physical disabilities and spinal cord injuries, which is not common at many schools. However, most awards are smaller and more competitive, so students should also consider national scholarships to maximize funding.