University of Wisconsin-Madison

Overview: The University of Wisconsin -Madison is a top-tier public university with over 45,000 students and a strong reputation in academics, research, and innovation. The campus features both historic buildings and modern facilities along Lake Mendota, creating a scenic yet expansive environment. UW-Madison is committed to accessibility, offering comprehensive support for students with disabilities through the McBurney Disability Resource Center (MDRC) and the DO-IT Center, which provide academic accommodations, mentorship, adaptive technology, and opportunities in STEM and more. The campus strives to make academics, housing, transportation, and extracurricular activities accessible while maintaining a student-centered community.

Physical Navigation: The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a large, spread-out campus with over 900 acres, combining historic buildings near Bascom Hill with modern academic halls along Lake Mendota. Most central areas are flat and easy to move through, but some parts, like Bascom Hill and the lakeshore trails, have steep inclines that can be challenging.

Main academic areas (such as the College of Letters & Science, Engineering, and Business) are connected by wide, paved sidewalks.
Ramps and curb cuts are present at nearly every street crossing on the central campus.
Elevators and automatic doors are standard in modern buildings such as the Union South, Engineering Hall, and the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.
Older buildings like Bascom Hall have alternate accessible entrances.
Accessible restrooms are available in all major libraries, student centers, and classroom buildings.
Outdoor areas like Memorial Union Terrace, Picnic Point, and Lakeshore Path are mostly level but may have gravel or uneven pavement.

Environmental Considerations:

Winter weather can make sidewalks icy, especially on Bascom Hill and near hill paths; snow removal is prioritized on main campus routes.
Some historic areas require longer routes to reach accessible entrances, like the back or side entrances of Bascom Hall and Science Hall.
MDRC provides maps of accessible routes, including elevators, ramps, and alternate building entrances.

Accessible Living: UW-Madison offers well-organized accessible housing through University Housing, with support from the McBurney Disability Resource Center (MDRC). Many dorms are modern and accessible, but availability can be competitive, so applying early is important.

Accessible Residence Halls:

Dejope Hall (Lakeshore): A newer building with high accessibility, large rooms, elevators, and roll-in showers.
Ogg Residence Hall (Southeast): Updated with a fully accessible layout, close to classes and Gordon Dining Hall.
Smith Residence Hall (Southeast): Suite-style rooms with more private/semi-private bathrooms.
Phillips & Leopold Halls: Central location with ADA-accessible rooms.

Room & Bathroom Features:

Roll-in or transfer showers with grab bars and benches.
Lowered sinks, mirrors, and closet rods.
Wider doorways and open floor space for wheelchair use.
Options for private bathrooms (if medically needed) or shared accessible bathrooms within the hall.

Dining & Daily Living:

Gordon Dining Hall and Four Lakes Market (Dejope) are wheelchair accessible with wide layouts.
Southeast dorms are closer to classes and transportation.
Lakeshore dorms are quieter and more spread out.

Housing Accommodations (Through MDRC):

Single rooms for medical or sensory needs.
Room placement near elevators, entrances, or exits.
Approval for service or emotional support animals.
MDRC and Housing work together so accommodations are ready before move-in.

Campus Transportation: UW-Madison has a strong and reliable transportation system, making it easier to get around a large campus without a car. For students with disabilities, multiple accessible options work together.

Campus and City Buses:

Free campus routes run through main academic areas, residence halls, student centers, and dining halls.
Students receive a Madison Metro bus pass for unlimited rides across the city.
All buses include wheelchair ramps, securement areas, and priority seating.

Madison Metro Paratransit Services:

Door-to-door transportation for students who cannot use regular buses.
Service that follows the same general routes and hours as city buses.
Requires an application and approval process.

Accessible Circulator Shuttle (UW-Specific):

Free, on-demand campus shuttle for students with mobility needs.
Offers door-to-door service between buildings on campus.
Runs Monday - Friday during the day (7:30 AM - 7:30 PM).
Must be scheduled in advance or requested the same day.

What Makes This Campus Stand Out?

McBurney Disability Resources

UW-Madison has a well-established and highly involved disability services center that goes beyond basic accommodations. MDRC provides academic support, assistive technology, housing coordination, and direct communication with professors, making the system feel more structured and supportive than many schools.

Do-It Center

The DO-IT Center (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) is based at the UW and is a major resource for students with disabilities, especially in STEM. It offers mentorship, internships, scholarships, and career development, and connects students to a larger national network.

Transportation Systems

UW-Madison stands out for its free campus buses, city-wide bus access, paratransit, and on-demand accessible shuttle. This makes it much easier for students with mobility challenges to navigate a large campus and reliably reach medical facilities, housing, and classes.

Adaptive Sports

UW-Madison has one of the most developed adaptive sports programs in the country, offering both competitive teams and accessible recreation. Students can participate at a high level or recreationally, which is not common at most schools.

Adaptive Sports Programs:

Wheelchair Basketball (Men's & Women's): Nationally ranked teams that compete in the NWBA (National Wheelchair Basketball Association), with regular practices, coaching staff, and travel for tournaments.
Wheelchair Tennis: Organized through UW Recreation & Wellbeing, with access to courts, training, and competitive play opportunities.
Adaptive Rowing: Runs through UW's rowing facilities on Lake Mendota, with adaptive equipment and coached sessions for different ability levels.
Sled Hockey: Not directly run by UW, but students can participate through established programs in Madison, with support connecting them.

Recreation & Fitness Access:

Main facilities, such as the Nicholas Recreation Center (The Nick) and the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, are fully accessible, with elevators, automatic doors, and wide layouts.
Equipment areas include space for wheelchair users and adaptable machines, and staff are available to assist with modifying workouts and using equipment safely.

Intramural & General Recreation:

Intramural sports are offered year-round, and while there are no separate adaptive leagues, students can participate with accommodations depending on the sport.
Recreation & Wellbeing programs focus on inclusive participation, allowing students to engage in fitness classes and activities with modifications.

Student Organizations

UW-Madison has a stronger disability community than most schools, with both dedicated student organizations and campus-supported programs. Students have real opportunities for advocacy, community, and leadership, not just general inclusion.

Disability-Focused Student Organizations:

Students with Disabilities Organization (SWDO): Main disability advocacy group on campus that focuses on raising awareness, improving accessibility, and building community. Hosts events and discussions and works with campus administration on campus issues.
Chronic Illness & Disability Alliance (CIDA): Supports students with chronic illnesses, invisible disabilities, and ongoing medical conditions, offering a space for connection and shared experiences.

Campus-Supported Programs & Involvement:

McBurney Disability Resource Center (MDRC): Helps connect students to organizations, leadership opportunities, and advocacy efforts across campus.
DO-IT Center: Offers mentorship, internships, and networking, especially for students interested in STEM and technology fields.
Disability-related events, such as awareness weeks, panels, and workshops, are regularly held and are often student-led.

Accessibility of General Organizations:

UW-Madison has 1,000+ student organizations, many of which are required to follow accessibility guidelines for meetings and events.
Students can request accommodations (accessible spaces through MDRC for participation in any club).

Medical Access

UW-Madison provides medical care on and near campus, with strong support for students with disabilities.

On-Campus Medical Services:

University Health Services (UHS): Provides primary care, urgent care, lab testing, vaccinations, and women's and men's health services.
Mental Health Services: UHS offers counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, including support for stress, anxiety, and disability-related mental health needs.
Campus Pharmacy: Located inside UHS, offering prescriptions, refills, and consultation.

Nearby Hospitals & Clinics:

UW Health University Hospital: Full-service hospital with emergency care, specialists, and rehab services.
UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital: Additional hospital with specialty care and ER services.
Specialty Clinics Nearby: Includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mobility/rehab centers accessible by public transportation or paratransit.

Disability Services (MDRC)

The UW-Madison McBurney Disability Resource Center (MDRC) is a well-established, highly supportive office that helps students with disabilities access accommodations, campus resources, and academic support. It is centralized, responsive, and experienced, making it easier for students to navigate the university.

Services Offered:

Alternative Accommodations: Extended test time, note-taking support, captioning, alternative formats of materials, reduced-distraction testing, and accessible classroom setups.
Housing & Campus Life Support: Assistance with accessible dorm rooms, furniture adjustments, service/emotional support animal approvals, and location priority near elevators or entrances.

Technology & Assistive Devices: Access to adaptive software, screen readers, voice recognition tools, and other assistive technology.
Advocacy & Communication: MDRC staff help communicate accommodation needs to professors, housing, and other campus offices.
Connection to Programs: links students to the DO-IT Center, adaptive sports, student organizations, and local disability networks.

Contact Information:

Phone: (608) 263-2741
Location: 702 W. Johnson Street,
Suite 2104
Madison, WI 53715-1007
Website: MDRC

Available Scholarships

UW-Madison offers several scholarships specifically for students with disabilities, often administered through the McBurney Disability Resource Center or the Do-IT Center. These scholarships focus on academic achievement, leadership, and STEM opportunities, rather than general financial aid. The DO-IT Center (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) is a nationally recognized program based at UW-Madison that supports people with disabilities in education, careers, and technology. Unlike MDRC, which focuses on academic accommodations at UW, DO-IT is broader, providing mentorship, networking, and opportunities for students with disabilities across the U.S.

DO-IT Scholars Program Awards:

For students with disabilities interested in STEM and technology fields.
Provides mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities.

MDRC Accessibility Awards:

Supports students who demonstrate leadership in advocacy, campus involvement, or disability-related initiatives.
Can help with tuition, housing, or assistive technology costs.

Local & Community Disability Scholarship:

UW-Madison shares information about state and national scholarships for students with disabilities.
Examples include Wisconsin Assistive Technology Scholarships and specialized STEM or academic awards.

How to Apply:

Most scholarships require registration with MDRC or DO-IT.
Students must submit applications that detail their disability, academic achievements, and involvement.
Deadlines vary, so planning is important.
MDRC staff provide guidance, application support, and letters or recommendations.