Promoting equal access and inclusion: ADA & accessibility resources at Governors State University

By Christopher Goodson, Guest Writer

Governors State University (GovState) continues its strong commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is more than a legal requirement—it’s a reflection of GovState’s values of equity, respect, and support for the community.

Why ADA Compliance Matters in Higher Education

ADA compliance ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities, campus services, housing, and activities. It protects the rights of those whose mental, physical, or sensory impairments may limit one or more major life activities such as learning, mobility, or communication. At GovState, accessibility means designing systems that meet the needs of everyone—without barriers.

Understanding Disability

A disability is defined as a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. This includes conditions that are visible or invisible, chronic or temporary, and physical or psychological. Examples include:

·      Learning: Dyslexia, dysgraphia, nonverbal learning disorders

·      Psychological: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder

·      Physical/Mobility: Spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, amputation

·      Sensory: Vision loss, hearing loss, sensory processing disorders

·      Chronic Health: Diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, cancer

·      Neurodevelopmental: Autism, ADHD

·      Temporary: Injuries, pregnancy, and recovery from surgery

How to Establish Eligibility

Students who require academic or physical accommodations should contact Student Disability Services to begin the eligibility process. Proper documentation and communication help ensure that students receive the accommodations they need to succeed.

Access Services for Students with Disabilities can be contacted by phone at 708-235-3968 or email at ASSD@govst.edu. Click here for more information.

Student Accommodations

Accommodations may include extended testing time, note-taking assistance, priority registration, accessible furniture, closed captioning, or alternative text formats. These supports are tailored to the individual needs of each student.

Ongoing Initiatives: Bridging the Gap

The “Bridging the Gap” initiative emphasizes collaboration between departments to improve campus accessibility awareness and proactive engagement. Faculty and staff are encouraged to report barriers and propose solutions that enhance inclusivity for all members of the GovState community.

To report accessibility concerns, members of the university community can complete the Accessibility Concerns Notification Form available at govst.edu/accessibility-notification.

Christopher Goodson is an Emergency Management Coordinator at Governors State University.