Wright State University

Overview: Wright State University is one of the most intentionally accessible campuses in the U.S., especially for students with mobility impairments. Located in Dayton, Ohio, it serves around 8,000-10,000 undergraduates and is known for its connected indoor campus, strong disability services, and proximity to major medical systems. Unlike many schools that adapt accessibility over time, Wright State's layout and support systems make daily life more manageable from the start - which is why it's often recommended for students who prioritize consistent accessibility and reliable support.

Physical Navigation: Wright State is one of the few campuses designed with indoor accessibility in mind. Over 30 buildings are connected by enclosed hallways/tunnels, allowing students to move across campus without going outside.

Sidewalks across campus include curb cuts and wide paved paths.

Most buildings include:

Ground level or ramped entrances.
Elevators to all floors.
Automatic door buttons at main entrance.

The indoor tunnel system is a major benefit in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, reducing fatigue and making daily navigation easier.

Accessible Living: Accessible housing is available in multiple residence halls, including Forest Lane Apartments and Hamilton Hall, which are commonly used for accommodation needs.

Rooms include:

ADA-compliant door widths and turning space.
Adjustable or movable furniture.
Lowered closets, desks, and fixtures (upon request).

Bathrooms:

Roll-in showers with grab bars.
Removable shower heads.
Space for shower chairs.
Some units offer private or semi-private accessible bathrooms.

Students can request:

Specific room layouts.
Space for medical equipment.
Housing adjustments for personal care attendants (PCAs).

Campus Transportation: Wright State's transportation is accessible and reliable, but the real advantage is that you often don't need it. The indoor-connected campus allows for more independence, while shuttles and public transportation provide backup when needed.

Campus Shuttle System:

Operated by Wright State Transportation Services.
All shuttles are ADA-compliant, equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps, and securement areas for mobility devices.

Routes Connect:

Residence halls (including Forest Lane Apartments).
Academic buildings.
Student Union and dining areas.
Parking lots.
Runs on a loop system, with multiple stops across campus.
More frequent during weekdays; limited service on evenings/weekends.

Reduced Need for Transportation: One of Wright State's biggest advantages is that it allows students to move across campus without going outside. Many students can get to classes, dining, and services without using transportation at all. This reduces exposure to weather, dependence on shuttle schedules, and physical strain from long distances.

Off-Campus Transportation: Greater Dayton RTA or Uber/Lyft

Connects students to hospitals, stores, medical appointments, and downtown Dayton.
Buses are wheelchair accessible.
Not ideal if you rely heavily on frequent transportation throughout the day.

What Makes This Campus Stand Out?

Indoor Connected Campus

Wright State has 30+ buildings connected by enclosed hallways, allowing students to travel between classes, dining, and services without going outside. This is a huge win for wheelchair users - especially in rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.

Nearby Medical Centers

Wright State is located within minutes of multiple large hospitals, including a level 1 trauma center (Miami Valley Hospital) and the Kettering Health Network. This gives students access to specialists, emergency care, and ongoing treatment much more easily than at rural campuses.

Workout Buddy Program

Students are paired with trained staff or peers to help them with workouts, equipment, and transfers in the gym. This makes fitness accessible, safe, and much less intimidating, especially for students adjusting to a new injury.

Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Sports Programs Include:

Wheelchair basketball (Men's and Women's).
Wheelchair track & field.
Wheelchair rugby.
Adaptive aquatics (swimming-based activities).
General fitness and conditioning programs.
Intramural-style football, soccer, and baseball.

Adaptive Recreation Includes:

Kayaking.
Skiing.
Climbing.

Workout Buddy Program: One of the most unique programs is the Workout Buddy Program, which pairs students with disabilities with trained staff or peers to help them exercise safely and confidently. Buddies assist with equipment, transfers, and workouts.

Wright State offers a mix of adaptive sports and inclusive recreation programs designed for inclusion and participation rather than high-level competition. The focus is to make it easy and comfortable for students with disabilities to stay active and involved.

Student Organizations

Wright State does not have many formal, disability-specific clubs, but it still offers ways for wheelchair users to get involved and build community. If you're a wheelchair user, your main community will likely come from adaptive sports and recreation, rather than a traditional club.

Medical Access

Wright State has above-average medical access compared to many colleges because it's located near a major healthcare network.

On Campus: Student Health Services (SHS):

Basic care for illnesses and minor injuries.
Prescriptions and referrals.
Mental health counseling.

Nearby Medical Facilities:

Miami Valley Hospital (15 minutes away).
Kettering Health Network - multiple hospitals and specialty clinics nearby.
Physical therapy and rehab services.
Spinal cord injury care.

Pharmacies:

CVS.
Walgreens.

Disability Services (ODS)

Wright State's Office of Disability Services (ODS) is known for being highly involved, especially for students with mobility needs. They don't just approve accommodations - they actively help coordinate how they work in real life.

Services Provided: ODS communicates directly with professors to ensure accommodations are actually followed.

Extended testing and a dedicated testing center.
Note-taking assistance.
Priority registration.
Alternative format materials.

Housing & Dorm Accommodations/How it Works: ODS plays a direct role in securing you accessible housing.

You submit medical documents and housing needs through ODS.
ODS works with University Housing on your behalf.

They advocate for:

Accessible dorm rooms.
Proximity to classes or connected buildings.
Specific needs, such as space for equipment or caregivers.

Helps resolve issues like:

Inaccessible classrooms.
Scheduling gaps between classes.
Transportation or route concerns.

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Contact Information:

Phone: (937) 775 - 5680
Location: 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy. Dayton, OH 45435
Website: ODS

Available Scholarships

Wright State actually offers a large number of disability-specific scholarships through the Office of Disability Services (ODS) - and many are for students with mobility impairments (including wheelchair users).

Scholarships for Students with Physical Disabilities:

How It Works: You typically apply through one main Wright State Scholarship application, which puts you into consideration for multiple awards.

Wright State stands out for having a wide range of disability-specific scholarships, including some that directly support wheelchair users and adaptive athletes. While not all are guaranteed, there are more targeted opportunities here than at many schools, especially if you're involved in disability services or adaptive recreation.