Accessibility

Access to MIT

Access to MIT: A Guide to Campus and Other Resources
This document was prepared by the MIT Planning Office. Copies are available at the Disabilities Services Office, 7-145 and the Information Office, 7-121. This guide is a color-coded map of the MIT campus which features recommended routes for individuals with ambulatory disabilities, including the locations of curb cuts, ramps and accessible entrances to buildings on the MIT campus. The guide is one of a series of steps being taken to make the MIT campus accessible to persons with disabilities. Since it is not practical to show either all existing architectural barriers or all possible routes, this guide presents the major means of circulation and the barriers most likely to be encountered. Although this guide deals with the general needs of the temporarily or permanently disabled, MIT is prepared to respond to the special problems of individuals.
 
Academic or General Concerns
For assistance in dealing with academic problems or help in defining problems, contact S3:Student Support Services, 5-104, 617-253-4861, or Disabilities Services Office, 7-145, 617-253-1674.
 
Architectural Barriers
If you encounter any barriers or have any requirements or recommendations relating to the physical environment, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office, N52-496, 617-452-1674, or S3:Student Support Services, 5-104, 617-253-4861, Disabilities Services Office, 7-145, 617-253-1674, or Facilities NE49 2300, 617-258-7011.
 
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT - The ATIC Lab
The ATIC (Assistive Technology for Information and Computing) Lab located on MIT's main campus in 7-143, provides specialized computer equipment to assist individuals with disabilities, and those working for or with them, in achieving equal opportunity in academia or employment. The following are some of the adaptations supplied by ATIC:

  • Alternative Input
    • Voice Recognition Software
    • Alternative Keyboards
    • Alternative Pointing Devices
    • Scan and Read Software
  • Alternative Output
    • Braille Translation and Embossing
    • Voice Synthesis
    • Screen Magnification

The ATIC Lab is equipped with a variety of computers and operating systems which contain various types of software which can be used in conjunction with the devices mentioned above. ATIC Lab services are free. Once the student is established as an ATIC Lab client, the Lab is open 24-hours-a-day and training is available from the ATIC Lab staff. For further information on ATIC services, contact the Coordinator at 617-253-7808 or e-mail atic@mit.edu.
 
DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION
Alongside MIT's vast and superior academic curriculum, the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) has reinforced its focus toward fostering the growth of the competitively active student, while keeping sight of the Institute's value of academic standards. Check their web page at: http://web.mit.edu/athletics/.
 
Environmental Health and Safety Office
The Safety Office is responsible for matters relating to particular instances or recommendations of safety on campus and also for all matters related to worker's compensation. This office should be notified in the case of hazardous effects or physical barriers detected on campus, and instances of injury incurred while on the job. Call 617-452-3477.
 
Facilities
Disabilities Services works closely with Physical Plant in identifying physical barriers evident on campus and planning for their elimination. Physical Plant is also responsible for the design and implementation of barrier removal projects.
 
Housing
If you need accessible housing due to a disability, you must provide medical documentation to support your request. You may send your documentation directly to the Housing Office, Dean for Student Affairs, 7-133, 617-253-4051, or to the Disability Services Office (DSO) 7-145 to be forwarded to Housing. Determination of such housing requests will be made in consultation with MIT Medical.
 
Information Center
7-121, 617-253-4795 32-140 (Stata Center Information Desk) 617-253-2600
 
Library Services
Arrangements can be made for persons with disabilities to have books and journals retrieved from the shelves of a specific library by contacting the circulation desk of that library. Members of the MIT community can also specify another person on their card to borrow materials for them by completing an "Added Borrower" form at any MIT Library circulation desk. The Libraries are also equipped with a Reading Edge machine, a Visualtek Read/Write System, a Perkins Braille Writer, and an electric Braille writer. For more information on how to access available Library services please contact Library Services at 617-253-9349.
 
Locked Doors
Some doors are locked after 6 pm and on weekends. For entry information, contact Campus police, W31, (general business number) 617-253-2996.
 
Special Entry Keyed Entry
* Building 12 overhead door Basement Entry * Ashdown * Building 3 * Building 8 * Building E52 * Building E53 For keys, contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office, N52-496, 617-452-3477. For Kresge Theater seating, contact the Campus Activities Complex Office, 617-253-3913.
 
Medical Department
The MIT Medical Department staffs a wide range of medical specialists, including social workers, who can provide medical care and counseling to individuals with disabilities at MIT. General appointments - 617-253-4481 or 617-258-0656, TTY;; Urgent Care (24 hour line) 617-253-1311. If the situation is potentially life-threatening and you are on the MIT campus, dial 100 from any campus telephone. Campus Police will provide ambulance service to MIT Medical or a nearby acute care hospital. If the need is urgent but not life-threatening, call MIT Medical's Urgent Care Line for advice, 617-253-1311 (voice/TTY), or go directly to MIT Medical's 24-hour entrance to 25 Carleton Street.
 
The MIT Museum
The MIT Museum welcomes all visitors. Access to the main museum facility is by ramp and elevator to the right of the main entrance at 265 Massachusetts Avenue. In addition, the Museum will make every effort to accommodate special situations. Please call 617-253-4444.
 
No Access Buildings
While there is no physical access to these buildings, the Institute is committed to providing access to the programs and activities offered in these buildings. Contact Disabilities Services Office, 7-145, 617-253-1674. (more than 2 steps) * Bexley Hall * Graphic Arts, N42 * President's House, E1 * W2 and W2A
 
Special Elevators
For keys to key-operated elevators (listed below), contact the Environmental Health and Safety Office, N52-496, 617-253-4736. Lifts are unlocked except 10 and 33. (See below). Lifts * Building 1 * Building 48 * Buildings E38/39 * Building E40 * Building NW14 * Building NW16 * Ashdown
 
Parking
MIT's parking lots are located in different zones, and parking permits are specific to zones. Please see the Parking and Transportation Office link for all accessible parking spaces: http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/parking/locations.html. Parking in designated disabled spaces requires a registry-issued disabled license plate/placard as well as the MIT parking sticker. If you do not have a disabled plate and special parking arrangements are required for an extended period of time you may contact the Medical Department, Dr. Diamond's Office, E23-281,617-253-7625, or Disabilities Services Office, 7-145, 617-253-1674. If special parking arrangements are required for the day, contact Campus Police, W31-219, 617-258-6510, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.
 
Police and Emergency Medical Service
X100 ON CAMPUS, 617-253-1212
 
Rest Rooms
Buildings which are not listed are entirely accessible. M (MEN), W (WOMEN), U (UNISEX),NA (NOT WHEEL-CHAIR ACCESSIBLE), 9-107A-U 24-005-M 24-103-W 26-112-M 26-112A-W 31-210-U (NA) 35-026-M 35-026a-W 35-126-M 39-322-W 39-326-M 50-112-U 50-350-M 50-353-W 54-328-W 54-331-M 66-243-M 66-247-W 66-443-M 66-447-W E17-119-M E17-120-W E17-611-Mv E17-612-W E19-218A-U E19-318A-U E19-418A E19-718A-U E23-118-U E32-106-U E34-162-U E52-042-M E52-160-W E52-161-M E52-602A-U N51-329-M N52-123-M N52-125-U N52-126-W N52-323-M N52-325-U N52-331-W NW14-1205-W NW14-1207-M NW21-175-W NW21-177-M NW22-148-W NW22-151-M NW22-249-W NW22-251-M W8-UPPER FLOOR (NA) W20-008-U W20-204A-U W31-016A-W W31-018A-M W31-068B-M Lockers W32-070F-W Lockers W32-090A-U Visitors
 
Service Fraternity
You can find helpful and knowledgeable students in Alpha Phi Omega, the National Service Fraternity, located in the Student Center, W20-415, 617-253-3788.
 
Snow Removal
If additional snow removal is needed contact Facilities Customer Service Center, E19-135, 617-253-4948 (F-IXIT).
 
Telephones
Please see the telecommunications link below for all accessibility features for the MIT community http://web.mit.edu/is/tel/disabilities.html
 
TRANSPORTATION - CAMPUS WIDE - TECH SHUTTLE
The Parking and Transportation Office operates MIT's campus shuttle service known as the TECH Shuttle. TECH Shuttle provides a safe means of transportation weekdays around the MIT campus. TECH Shuttle operates 5 days a week from 7:15AM to 7:15PM. TECH Shuttle does not operate on weekends and MIT holidays. This service is free and available to all members of the MIT community. The TECH Shuttle vehicles are driven by service assistant employees of Standard Parking, who carry two-way radios for a direct link to the Parking and Transportation Office and the Campus Police. The TECH shuttle service employs handicapped-accessible vehicles.
Schedules and Route Map Please note that inclement weather, vehicle maintenance, and heavy traffic conditions may affect the times listed on the schedules. For scheduling information log onto to http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/shuttles/schedules/Tech_and_NW_2008-2009.pdf
 
Transportation: Medical Necessity
Under extraordinary circumstances and when deemed appropriate by DSO and Campus Police, people with medical circumstances may be provided medical transports for up to a four (4) week period. During the first week of transports, the MIT Campus Police will provide up to two (2) round trips within one day. For the second and subsequent weeks of transports, they will provide one round trip per day. [In cases where the medical needs of the person with a disability might extend for a short period of time beyond the four week period, MIT Medical will conduct a case review and advise Campus Police if there are special needs]. For more information, call Campus Police at 617-253-9751. Contact DSO for eligibility determination, 7-145, 617-253-1674.
 
Tutorial Services
The Office of Minority Education Tutorial Services Program has provided tutoring to undergraduates for nearly twenty years. Academically advanced upper-class and graduate students deliver tutoring in any subject requested. Students may also inquire within each department if tutoring is available. Formal tutoring services are available in the Tutorial Services Room (TSR) by appointment. The TSR (Room 12-124) is open 7 days a week from Sunday to Thursday: 2-10 pm, and Friday and Saturday: 2-6 pm. The 24-hour line is 617-253-8406. DSO can provide assistance in arranging access to tutorial services.
 
Web Policy and Relevant Links
MIT is committed to providing equal access to information technology in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. This commitment ensures that MIT Web-based products, software, online documentation, and library resources will be accessible to users with disabilities. Developers and purchasers need to take accessibility features into account in the design or purchase process using the checklists shown below. The checklists apply to software and Web-based products to be used in administration and services, courses of instruction, departmental programs and Institute sponsored activities. If you purchase or develop Web-based products, use the Developer's Checklists to guide you in creating applications or Web pages. Checklist for developing web pages and web-based products.