Accessibility

Welcome back to Swarthmore! We are committed to ensuring Alumni Weekend is an inclusive and accessible experience for all of our returning alumni and guests. On this page, you will find information regarding accessible accommodations, designated parking, and digital resource guides for campus accessibility. We have also outlined our available on-campus services, including assistive listening devices and golf cart transportation.

Important note for wheelchair users: Please be aware that our campus golf carts cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Because navigating the campus grounds may take a little extra time, we encourage you to plan your schedule accordingly. If you anticipate needing extra assistance getting around campus during the weekend, please contact Public Safety (610-328-8281, publicsafety@swarthmore.edu) in advance. Additionally, if you need a wheelchair or mobility scooter for the weekend, you must arrange for a rental ahead of your trip. We've provided suggestions for local vendors below.

Accessible Accommodations

If you require ADA compliant accommodations, we encourage you to explore  off-campus housing options at nearby hotels.  While the list of accommodations is organized by type and distance from Swarthmore, the College does not endorse any particular facility. For exact prices and availability, please call the hotels directly or contact your travel agent. 

Information about registering for on-campus housing will be available in March. Please note that on-campus housing is limited and only available on a first-come, first-served basis once registration opens. When you register for on-campus housing, you will be able to request an ADA-compliant room. If you would like to provide additional information or discuss any accommodations you may need, please contact events@swarthmore.edu or 610-328-7332  

AccessAble Digital Access Guides

AccessAbleUSA has created Detailed Access Guides to all of Swarthmore's facilities, including residence halls, academic buildings, sports and recreation centers, performance spaces, and outdoor spaces. They provide accurate facts and photos to help you determine if a place is accessible to you, including information on parking, assistive listening systems, walking distances and accessible restrooms. You can access the free Accessibility Guide at accessableusa.com/swarthmore-college. 

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking spaces are available throughout campus in all parking areas. Only vehicles with state-issued accessible parking placards and/or license plates can park in these spaces; all others will be towed. View accessible paths on an interactive campus map.

Assistance for the Hearing Impaired

Assistive listening devices are available for many Alumni Weekend events. The following campus spaces are equipped with assistive listening systems: Lang Performing Arts Center, Lang Concert Hall, Bond Hall, Scheuer Room in Kohlberg Hall, and the lecture halls in Science Center. Please plan on leaving an ID and phone number as a deposit for the assistive listening device.

Enhanced Wayfinding and Assistance for People with Visual Disabilities

We provide all community members and visitors with access to Aira, a live, human-to-human remote assistance service. Highly-skilled, professional Agents provide Explorers (the term for Aira users) with on-demand assistance with both visual navigation  and digital access. Aira is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  To get started, explore our "How to Use Aria" resources. For more information or assistance,  email Susan Smythe, Swarthmore's ADA program manager, or visit Aira's website.

Golf Carts and Getting Around Campus

A limited number of golf carts will be available throughout the weekend to provide transportation to alumni with limited mobility. Information about requesting a golf cart during Alumni Weekend will be available during the weekend.  

Mobility Needs Services

The following vendors may be of assistance:

• My Mobility Pros rents mobility scooters, manual wheelchairs, and power wheelchairs and provides delivery and pickup. Visit mymobilitypros.com or call 610-609-4740 for more information.
• The Home Health Center at Aston Pharmacy offers delivery and pickup for standard 17–19" wheelchair rentals. Month- or week-long rentals can be reserved up to one week in advance; they do not offer single day rentals. Call Destiny or Sheri at 610-494-1445 x121 or x120 for assistance.

This is a courtesy listing of available rentals for individuals who may include faculty, staff, community members, and visitors. However, Swarthmore College makes no guarantee, expressed or implied, about the accommodations or safety of the rental opportunities. It is the responsibility of each party to ensure themselves, prior to making arrangements, that they are comfortable with the rental arrangement and with the other party involved. Swarthmore College makes no representation about either party choosing to participate in the arrangements determined, and will make no attempt to intervene if conditions agreed upon by both parties are not adhered to.

By choosing to add a rental to this courtesy listing or by accepting a copy of the listing you are agreeing to release Swarthmore College, its agents and employees including members of the board of managers, directors and officers, administration, faculty, and staff from any claims or liabilities for personal injuries or other damages incurred as a result of such participation, whether or not resulting from their negligence.
 

Accessibility Resources

Swarthmore College seeks to provide an accessible and hospitable learning and working environment for all, while ensuring full compliance with federal and state regulations. Our community welcomes and encourages persons with disabilities to participate in our programs and activities as faculty, staff, students, and as visitors to the College. Find additional campus accessibility resources here. 

Additional Questions?

Please contact Susan Smythe, ADA Program Coordinator, at ssmythe1@swarthmore.edu or 610-690-2063 if you require additional information about accessibility or will need assistance during Alumni Weekend.