The UW is committed to ensuring access and inclusion for all. This website is our information hub to help community members with disabilities navigate the campus. On this page, you can find:

  • a map identifying accessible routes
  • parking locations and transportation services
  • a way to report physical barriers encountered on campus
  • links to campus resources related to disability access

Maps and accessible routes

Our access guide provides information for buildings on the Seattle campus.

Go to the Access Guide
Printable campus mobility map (pdf)

Information available on the guide includes the following:

  • assisted entrances
  • multilevel entrances
  • manual entrances
  • routes without stairs
  • routes navigable by wheelchair
  • elevators
  • accessible restrooms
  • accessible parking areas near buildings

Campus terrain overview:

The UW Seattle campus is deceptively steep, rising from Lake Washington on the east to an elevation of 224 feet at the northwest corner, a rise equal to an 18-story building. Spanning approximately 15 blocks north to south and 25 blocks east to west, the University encourages wheelchair users to consider using power-operated wheelchairs on campus.

Since the University is located on a sloping site, many of the pedestrian pathways have conditions that do not meet accessibility requirements for slope, duration, surface and rails. Please refer to the access guide for assistance with route planning. Individuals may need to experience a given route to determine if it is accessible for them.

Parking and transportation

Parking: Learn how you can access accessible parking spaces and permits on campus.

Dial-A-Ride: A free shuttle service that operates between 102 designated stop locations on the Seattle campus for faculty, staff and students with either permanent or temporary mobility limitations.

Transit: Learn how you can use your U-PASS with regional paratransit services.

Building information and resources

Report a physical barrier to access

If you or someone you know encounters a physical barrier that is preventing equal access to a University building or area, please report it to us. Physical barriers are conditions in any structural environment that prevent or impede an individual with a disability from efficiently navigating the setting.

Report a barrier to access

Barriers to access can include:

  • non-functioning door openers
  • non-functioning elevators
  • damaged curb cuts
  • issues with accessible restrooms
  • weather related issues such as snow blocked paths

To report physical barriers on any UW Campus (Seattle, Bothell or Tacoma), complete the form using the link above or contact Customer Care. Once reported, the UW Facilities Customer Care Team will contact appropriate University resources from the specific campus to inform them of the report. This will initiate the process and our trained professionals will address your individual needs based on each set of circumstances.

To report digital IT barriers, please send a detailed message to [email protected].

Seattle campus resources

Tacoma & Bothell resources