Disability Resource Center

Accessible Furniture

Eligibility to Use Accessible Furniture


The DRC Notification Email will indicate whether a student is eligible for this accommodation and the type of furniture that is placed for them (e.g. adjustable chair, table, etc.). Eligible students who request ergonomic furniture receive an email receipt from the DRC which specifies the DRC label number and a brief description of the furniture checked out to them. Should questions arise, this email receipt and label number can be used to verify who is eligible to use a specific piece of furniture.


Maintaining Placement in the Classroom


DRC furniture should not be moved to the sides or back of the classroom. If it needs to be moved, it should be returned to its place at the end of class.


If Issues Arise


We recommend faculty make a general announcement to the class using the following script: "Ergonomic furniture has been placed in the classroom for students who need it for access. Each piece of DRC furniture has a red “Property of the Disability Resource Center” label and a laminated tag attached that notifies people not to use or move the furniture. Please be respectful and do not use or move this furniture unless it has been checked out to you by the DRC."


Faculty who need accessible furniture in their classrooms should contact Human Resources at 503-725-4926.
 

Basic Classroom Placement Standards

While there is no one ideal way to lay out furniture in a classroom, there are some general standards that may be helpful.

  • There must be a center aisle from the back of the room to the front. This aisle should be at least 40" wide.
  • The space between rows of desks should be at least 36" wide. Keep in mind that once chairs are pulled out, access to the row is limited.
  • Accessible tables for DRC students need to have a 60" x 60" space behind them in order for a student who uses a wheelchair or scooter to be able to pull up to the table, back away, and turn around.
  • An easy way to make sure that the DRC table is accessible is to place it so that there is a direct path from the doorway to the table, and space behind for the person to maneuver as needed.
  • If you need to move desks into different configurations, keep the 36" distance and 40" aisle in mind and return the furniture to their initial positions at the end of class.