Disability Information

Overview

Photo of hearing impaired student with assistance at lecture.

Student watches her sign language interpreter while a real time captionist summarizes the lecture.

Cornell University is committed to diversity and inclusiveness with the goal of providing an accessible and welcoming environment for faculty, staff, students and visitors to the campus, while complying with federal, state, and local disability regulations. This web site serves as a central clearinghouse on disability-related information for the Cornell community.

In January of 2000, Cornell University announced its vision on diversity: 'Open Doors, Open Hearts, and Open Minds'. This statement reflects the university's commitment to diversity, which includes individuals with disabilities.

Cornell University has developed the following policies and initiatives relevant to individuals with disabilities:

  • Cornell University's Equal Education and Employment Policy provides that the university does not discriminate against individuals based on any area protected by federal, state, or local law, including disability status.
  • Building and Campus Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a primary concern for the university, and an area that the university is working to improve. To assist individuals with disabilities, the university has established accessible parking and building entrances maps: printable (11"x17") and full size. The university's facilities department, is working aggressively to survey and address physical accessibility issues on the campus. In addition, the university is committed to addressing accessibility in its services, programs, and technology for individuals with disabilities.
  • Resolving Cornell Community Member Concerns Related to Disability Issues is achieved through a number of programs that the university has established.  Students and faculty and staff with a disability can request a reasonable accommodation to assist them with their academic pursuit or employment.  In addition, the university has established grievance procedures for students and for faculty and staff to bring forward concerns related to disability status.
  • Emergency Evacuation Procedures for Individuals with Disabilities are incorporated into the plans of the various university departments and is mandated by university policy.

For inquiries or concerns about building accessibility, send an e-mail to accessibility@cornell.edu. Your e-mail will be responded to within 2 business days. If you have a question that is not answered in this web site, contact the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality at equalopportunity@cornell.edu, (607-255-3976, or TDD 255-7006).