The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) is a cross-Institute advisory body that recommends accessibility priorities related to physical spaces, learning environments, digital technologies, programs, communications, and services.
The work began with an Accessibility Task Force convened in 2015. In 2016, Pratt engaged the United Spinal Association to conduct a facilities-accessibility study. The Task Force reconvened to address the findings, received an official charge in 2017, and was renamed the Accessibility Advisory Committee in 2018.
The Committee brings together institutional partners to examine accessibility barriers, recommend improvements, and advise the offices responsible for implementation. It is not a compliance, accommodation, investigation, or decision-making body.
The Accessibility Advisory Committee is charged with:
Using findings from the facilities-accessibility assessments to recommend priorities for the physical environment;
Recommending policies, practices, and actions that improve access to facilities and programs;
Advising the offices responsible for implementation;
Recommending accessibility practices for the selection, implementation, and maintenance of electronic information and technology;
Identifying when specialized expertise is needed;
Supporting clear communication about accessibility policies and progress;
Creating appropriate opportunities for Pratt community participation
Installed ramps reported as code-compliant serving the Engineering Building, Chapel Hall, and Main Building.
Improved access in selected classrooms, offices, studios, galleries, workshops, and community spaces, including the Interfaith Commons, WPIR Pratt Radio, and Campus Ministry.
Installed a temporary ramp at Willoughby Hall to improve access to designated services and program spaces, including the Residential Life Office, Health Services, and the No Name Cafe.
Relocated Counseling to an accessible space in the ISC Building
Completed repairs to priority trip hazards, identified in the facilities-accessibility assessment.
Relocated the Learning/Access Center to an accessible space in the ISC Building.
Made the restroom on the first floor of the ISC Building accessible
Created a new campus map that identifies accessible routes on campus
Engaged signage consultants to create accessible route signage
Completed selected Student Union renovations, including the conference room and the control room.
Installed an elevator/lift in the Activities Resource Center to improve access to the second floor, including the weight room and adjacent yoga studio and all fitness classes.
Created nine accessible single rooms in the new first-year student residence hall
Completed wheelchair-accessible seating improvements in Memorial Hall Auditorium.
Completed digital-accessibility audits of pratt.edu and addressed identified barriers in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0).
Improved the availability of campus-accessibility information through the following verified actions:
The Pratt website includes information on the accessibility of various programs and campus spaces.
The room reservation process now includes information regarding the accessibility of spaces.
Public event listings are expected to include access and accommodation information.
A process for reviewing event and activity accessibility.
Made Pratt store items available in an accessible space in the cafeteria
DeKalb Gallery had a ramp installed to make it fully accessible