University of Michigan

Overview: The University of Michigan (U-Michigan) is a large public university in Ann Arbor with over 40,000 students. It is known for strong academics, a major medical system, and extensive campus resources. For accessibility, it stands out for its strong disability services, high-level medical care, and one of the best adaptive sports programs in the country. However, the campus size and winter weather can create challenges.

Physical Navigation: The U-M campus has good overall infrastructure for accessibility, with sidewalks, curb cuts, and accessible buildings, but it is not easy to navigate. The combination of hills, long distances, and winter weather means most students with mobility needs.

The University of Michigan is split into three main areas:

Central Campus (most classes, dining, dorms).
North Campus (engineering, art, music).
Medical Campus (hospital + health programs).
These are not all rollable/walkable, so buses are often needed between them.

Terrain:

Central Campus has noticeable hills, especially around the Diag and paths toward the hospital/medical campus.
North Campus is more spread out but flatter overall.
Sidewalks are generally smooth, but some are older with uneven spots.

Environmental Factors:

Snow and ice can make sidewalks slippery or harder to navigate.
Ramps and curb cuts can be blocked if not cleared quickly.
U-M frequently has construction projects, especially on Central Campus, which can close sidewalks, reroute accessible paths, and make navigation less predictable.

Accessible Living: The University of Michigan provides ADA-compliant and adapted housing across multiple residence halls, rather than limiting accessible rooms to one area. Students must go through both Michigan Housing and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), and accommodations are based on documented need and availability.

Room layouts:

Wider doorways (typically 32" + clearance) for wheelchair access.
Open floor plans with enough turning radius.
Lowered closets, shelving, and light switches.
Some rooms allow space for medical equipment and/or personal care attendants if needed.

Bathrooms:

Roll in showers with no lip/barrier.
Grab bars near toilets and in showers.
Handheld/adjustable shower heads.

Residence Halls:

Newer dorms (North Quad and South Quad) include more consistent accessibility, better elevator access, automatic doors, and more modern bathroom setups.
Older dorms (West Quad and East Quad) still have accessible rooms, but layouts may be less efficient, accessible entrances may not be the main entrance, and there may be fewer automatic doors.

Accommodation Options:

Single rooms for medical, sensory, or personal care needs.
Rooms near elevators, exits, or accessible bathrooms.
Space for service animals.
Environmental needs (temperature control, air conditioning, etc.).

Location & Daily Impact:

Central Campus housing is closer to most classes and dining, also reduces the need for daily transportation.
North Campus housing is typically quieter and more spread out, but requires daily use of buses to reach Central Campus.

Campus Transportation: The University of Michigan has a well-developed, free campus transportation system, which is essential because the campus is spread across the Central, North, and Medical areas.

University Bus System (TheRide Blue Buses):

U-M runs its own free bus system for students called "TheRide"/Blue Buses.
All buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with priority seating.
Buses run frequently during weekdays (every 5-15 minutes on major routes)

Paratransit Services:

Door-to-door transportation for students with disabilities.
Requires registration and university approval.
Best used for students who cannot use standard buses, or for situations where terrain or distance is a barrier.

What Makes This Campus Stand Out?

Adaptive Sports

The University of Michigan has one of the best adaptive sports programs in the country through Michigan Adaptive Sports & Fitness, offering competitive wheelchair basketball and tennis, as well as other adaptive fitness opportunities.

Medical Access

The University of Michigan is directly connected to Michigan Medicine, a top-ranked hospital system on campus, giving students quick access to specialists, emergency care, and long-term treatment.

Transportation

The university has a free, reliable, and fully accessible bus system that connects all parts of campus, making it easier to get around without a car.

Adaptive Sports

The University of Michigan has one of the most established adaptive sports programs in the country through Michigan Adaptive Sports & Fitness (MASF). This is a major standout for students who want both recreational and competitive opportunities.

Adaptive Sports:

Wheelchair basketball.
Adaptive track & field.
Wheelchair rugby.
Wheelchair tennis.

Facilities & Equipment:

MASF provides specialized adaptive equipment, so students typically do not need to bring their own.
Accessible gyms and fitness spaces.
Recreation facilities include equipment that can be adapted for wheelchair users and other disabilities.

Level of Involvement:

Open to beginners with no prior experience.
Open to experienced/competitive athletes.
Students can participate in casual recreation/fitness or competitively with travel teams and tournaments.

Support & Structure:

The program is well integrated into the university, not just a small club.
Programs include access to training resources, coaching and organized practices, and a built-in community of adaptive athletes.

If adaptive sports are important to you, the University of Michigan is one of the strongest choices you can make. Students involved in adaptive sports often report strong peer support and team culture.

Student Organizations

The University of Michigan has a large and active disability community, with multiple student organizations focused on advocacy, support, and inclusion. Because it's such a big school, there are more options than most universities, and students can find both social and advocacy-based groups.

Students for Disability Awareness (SDA):

One of the main disability advocacy groups on campus.
Raises awareness about disability issues.
Hosts events, panels, and discussions.
Builds community among disabled students.

Council for Disability Concerns (CDC):

Addresses accessibility issues on campus.
Advocates for policy and infrastructure improvements.
Gives students a direct voice in campus decisions.

Medical Access

The University of Michigan stands out for having one of the strongest medical systems directly connected to a college campus, which is a major advantage for students with ongoing or complex health needs.

University Health & Counseling (UHC):

Located on Central Campus.
Lab work and basic testing.
Mental health services and counseling.
Primary care (illness, injuries, check-ups).
Preventive care (vaccines, screenings).
Includes an on-site pharmacy.

Major Hospital System (Right on Campus):

Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan Hospital) is located on the Medical Campus.
Emergency department.
Specialized care (neurology, orthopedics, cardiology, etc.).
Surgery and long-term treatment.
Rehabilitation services.

Nearby Care & Pharmacies:

Multiple CVS and Walgreens pharmacies within rolling distance or a short bus ride.
Additional outpatient clinics and specialty centers through Ann Arbor.
Easy access to follow-up care, therapy, and prescriptions.

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)

The University of Michigan provides disability support through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), which manages academic, housing, and access accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Accommodations Provided:

Testing accommodations: extended time, reduced-distraction environments, alternative testing formats.
Classroom support: note-taking assistance, recorded lectures, accessible course materials.
Communication access: captioning services and ASL interpreters.
Alternative formats: digital text, audio, and large print.
Housing and dining accommodations are coordinated with the university housing office.
Assistive technology support and guidance.

Process & System:

Students must submit medical or psychological documentation and complete an intake meeting with an SSD advisor.
Approved accommodations are managed through an online portal, where students request services and send official accommodation letters to professors each semester.
SSD works with faculty to help implement accommodations, but does not automatically enforce them; students must follow up if issues arise.

Responsiveness & Support:

SSD is a large, structured office with experience across many disability types.
Offers ongoing support, including adjusting accommodations if needs change and helping resolve access issues with professors or departments.
Response times are generally consistent, but delays can happen at the start of semesters.

Contact Information:

Phone: (734) 764 - 3309
Location: 1080 South University Avenue
Website: SSD

Available Scholarships

The University of Michigan offers several disability-specific scholarships and funding opportunities through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), as well as additional general financial aid. They typically require an application and are awarded based on a mix of need, involvement, and academic standing.

University Disability Scholarships:

Saul & Shirley Lederer Merit Award - at least $1,000 for students active in campus life.
Ridley Scholarship - need-based support for students with physical disabilities or chronic conditions.
Neilsen Scholarship Program - specifically for spinal cord injuries.
E. Royster Harper Achievability Award - for all disabilities.
Alex's Great State Race Fund Scholarship - scholarship support to undergraduate students who are connected with SSD.

Disability-Related Funding:

In addition to scholarships, SSD offers Disability Funding grants that can be used for adaptive/mobility equipment or disability-related expenses not covered by insurance.
There is also the FACT Fund (Fund for Accessible Computing Technology), which helps pay for assistive technology, such as specialized software or equipment.

The University of Michigan has multiple disability-specific funding options, which is a strong addition. However, most are smaller awards, so they are best used to supplement other financial aid rather than fully cover costs.