University of Oregon

Overview: The University of Oregon, located in Eugene, is a medium-sized public university with a strong commitment to accessibility and inclusion. UO emphasizes support for students with disabilities through both academic accommodations and campus programs, though some older buildings can be challenging for mobility.

Physical Navigation: UO's campus is mostly flat, which makes it easier for students with mobility disabilities to get around. While most areas are accessible, some older buildings may require alternate entrances.

The central campus is compact and walkable, with academic buildings, libraries, and student centers close together.
Residence halls are generally clustered on the west and south edges of campus, with shuttle access to central areas.
Outdoor spaces include walkways and plazas, which are mostly paved and navigable.

Building Access:

Elevators, ramps, and automatic doors are available.
Accessible restrooms are on each floor.
Some older buildings (such as the Jordan Schnitzer Museum or older science halls) may require using a side or back entrance for wheelchair access.
Accessibility maps are available online or through the Accessible Education Center (AEC).

Environmental Factors:

Weather: Eugene's rain can make some outdoor pathways slippery; most major routes are well-maintained.
Lighting & Safety: Pathways are well-lit at night, improving visibility and safety for all students.

Accessible Living: UO provides dedicated housing through the Accessible Education Center (AEC), ensuring students with disabilities have rooms and facilities suited to their needs. Availability is limited, so early requests are strongly recommended, and accommodations are coordinated directly with AEC and University Housing.

Accessible Housing Options:

Straub Hall & Walton Hall: Modern residence halls with wheelchair-accessible rooms, roll-in showers, wide doorways, and adaptive furniture.
Special Living-Learning communities: Some halls offer enhanced accessibility, including supportive RA staff trained to assist students with disabilities.

Room Features Available:

Roll-in or transfer showers with grab bars and benches.
Lowered sinks, counters, and closet rods.
Adjustable beds, desks, and shelving as needed.
Climate control for medical or sensory needs.

Accommodation Requests:

Service and Emotional Support Animals: Housing staff coordinates approvals and ensures compliance with campus and ADA policies.
Room location Preferences: Students can request rooms near elevators, main entrances, or accessible pathways to reduce travel.
Assistive equipment: AEC can help arrange bed lifts, desk adjustments, or other adaptive devices in the room.

Dining & Accessibility:

All major dining halls (such as EMU Market and 5th Street Market) are wheelchair accessible, with wide aisles, adaptive seating, and lowered counters.
Many residence halls are within a short distance of dining facilities, reducing travel challenges for wheelchair users.

Campus Transportation: The University of Oregon offers a well-integrated transportation system that supports students with disabilities. Campus shuttles, paratransit services, and pedestrian-friendly pathways make it easier to navigate the large campus and the surrounding Eugene area, though evening and weekend coverage is more limited.

Campus Shuttle System:

Free for all students, including those with disabilities.
Wheelchair lifts, securement areas, and priority seating on all shuttles.
Main routes connect residence halls (Straub, Walton, Living-Learning Halls), academic buildings (Jordan Schnitzer, Science Complex), libraries, and athletic/recreation facilities.
Shuttles run frequently during the week, with reduced service on evenings and holidays.
Students with mobility needs can request stops closer to building entrances for easier access.

LTD Ride Source Paratransit:

Provides door-to-door service for students who cannot use standard shuttles or buses.
Covers the entire campus and the wider Eugene-Springfield area.
requires pre-registration and scheduling, but same-day service is possible if space allows.
Works closely with AEC to ensure students with disabilities can attend classes, medical appointments, and campus events reliably.

Bike & Pedestrian Infrastructure:

Eugene is a bike-friendly city (great for wheelchairs too).
Accessible and secure pathways.
Paved, wide sidewalks connect residence halls, academic buildings, and the riverfront area.
Pedestrian crossings include curb cuts and tactile warnings at major intersections.
Pathways are well-maintained and mostly flat, improving mobility for wheelchair users.

What Makes This Campus Stand Out?

Accessible Education Center

UO's AEC provides comprehensive disability support, including academic accommodations, housing coordination, assistive technology, and advocacy. Students can work directly with staff to ensure classrooms, dorms, and campus services meet their needs.

Adaptive Athletics

UO offers structured adaptive sports and recreational opportunities, including wheelchair basketball, adaptive rowing, climbing, and collaboration with local adaptive sports organizations. These programs allow students to participate competitively or recreationally.

Accessible Transportation

The combination of wheelchair-accessible shuttles, LTD paratransit, and accessible bike/pedestrian pathways allows students with mobility needs to move reliably across campus and throughout Eugene. This network supports independence and makes it easier to attend classes and medical appointments.

Student Organizations

UO has a growing community of disability-focused student organizations that provide opportunities for advocacy, peer support, and social connection. These groups are supported by the Accessible Education Center (AEC), which helps students navigate accessibility resources and campus involvement.

Disability-Focused Student Organizations:

Advocates for accessibility improvements on campus.
Hosts social events, workshops, and awareness campaigns.

DO-IT Center Programs:

Connects students with mentors, scholarships, and STEM opportunities.
Supports leadership development and national networking.

Adaptive Sports

UO offers active adaptive sports and recreation programs through its Campus Recreation & Wellness department, enabling students with disabilities to participate both competitively and recreationally. Programs are designed to promote physical activity, social connection, and skill development.

Adaptive Sports:

Wheelchair Basketball: Recreational and competitive play, including access to coaching, equipment, and adapted courts.
Adaptive Rowing: Programs on the Willamette River with adaptive boats and coaching support.
Climbing & Outdoor Programs: Adapted rock-climbing sessions through UO's Outdoor Program, including harness modifications and staff assistance.

Intramural & Club Sports:

Some intramural sports are flexible, allowing adaptations for students with disabilities.
Students can participate in club sports with accommodations, coordinated through the Accessible Education Center (AEC) or Campus Recreation staff.

Facilities & Support:

Rec Center and Student Recreation Center: Fully wheelchair accessible, with adaptive fitness equipment, ramps, elevators, and wide pathways.
Staff can provide personalized support and training modifications for students with mobility, visual, or other disabilities.
Equipment loans and adaptive gear are available for students participating in sports or outdoor activities.

Medical Access

The University of Oregon offers well-rounded, accessible medical and mental health care tailored for students with disabilities. Most facilities are fully wheelchair accessible, and transportation options reliably connect students to care.

University Health Center (UHC):

Provides primary care, urgent care, lab tests, immunizations, and women's/men's health services.
Fully wheelchair accessible with automatic doors, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Mental Health Services:

Counseling, therapy, and psychiatric services for stress, anxiety, depression, and disability-related mental health needs.
Support includes telehealth and in-person appointments.

Campus Pharmacy:

Offers prescription fulfillment, medication counseling, and accessibility support for students with disabilities.

Nearby Hospitals & Clinics:

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center: Full-service hospital with emergency care and specialty clinics.
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center: Offers urgent care and specialty services.
Specialty Rehab & Therapy Clinics: Local facilities provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive rehabilitation services.

Disability Services (AEC)

The Accessible Education Center (AEC) at UO is the main hub for disability support, providing academic accommodations, housing assistance, assistive technology, and advocacy. The center works to ensure students with disabilities can fully participate in classes, campus life, and extracurricular activities.

Academic Accommodation:

Extended test time, reduced-distraction testing, note-taking support, captioning, and accessible course materials.
Coordination with professors and departments to ensure classroom accessibility.

Housing Support:

Assistance with accessible dorm rooms, bathroom setups, and service/emotional support animal approvals.
Placement near elevators, main entrances, or accessible pathways.

Assistive Technology & Tools:

Adaptive software, screen readers, speech-to-text tools, and specialized lab equipment.
Training and support for effective use in coursework.

Advocacy & Communication:

Helps students communicate accommodation needs with faculty or campus offices.
Guides on disability rights, accessibility issues, and problem resolution.

Contact Information:

Phone: (541) 346 - 1155
Location: 5278 University of Oregon
Website: AEC

Available Scholarships

The University of Oregon offers few scholarships specifically for students with disabilities. Still, there are specific awards and opportunities where disability can be part of your eligibility, especially when combined with academic achievement, leadership, or particular fields of study (like STEM). Many scholarships are donor-funded through the UO Scholarship System, and UO's disability offices (AEC and DO-IT) help students identify relevant opportunities.

DO-IT Scholars Awards (via UO DO-IT Center):

Supports students with disabilities who are pursuing STEM or technology careers.
Includes mentorship, network, and scholarship money.
Requires a separate application through the DO-IT program.

Accessible Education Center (AEC) Scholarship Listing:

AEC maintains information on scholarships that consider disability status or accommodations, even if not explicitly labeled "disability scholarships".
Disability and accessibility experiences can strengthen applications for these awards.

Donor -Funded Scholarships (through UO Scholarship System):

UO's general scholarship database contains hundreds of awards, some of which include criteria such as overcoming significant challenges and leadership in accessibility-related initiatives.
Students must apply through the UO Scholarship Portal a single application to be matched to relevant awards.