Building A Barrier-Free Campus

Both a physical and digital exhibit, “Building a Barrier-Free Campus” explores how UTA began to become a model accessible campus for students with disabilities starting in the mid-1960s—a time when disabled students had no right to attend K-12 schools or college. The exhibit covers:

• How disabled UTA students and alumni helped to develop adapted sports in Texas and beyond
• How the Handicapped Students Association and a wide range of allies pushed for full access to the college experience, including dorms, intramural sports, and honor societies
• How UTA became a trendsetter in disability accessibility for universities in Texas and other states starting in the early 1970s
• How disabled UTA alumni drove disability rights activism in the DFW Metroplex, from transportation access to accessible housing

The exhibit covers a broad timeline (mid-1960s to today) and introduces viewers to both UTA’s status as a leader in disability accessibility today and the multi-championship-winning Movin’ Mavs adapted sports program. 

“Building a Barrier-Free Campus” also showcases other disability rights initiatives to come out of UTA, such as major non-profit Helping Restore Ability, public transit activism, local K-12 adapted sports programs, and the Arlington Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.