Disability Access

Transportation Services is dedicated to supporting Western Washington University’s Mission and Values and provides disability parking access services for the University. Transportation Services has adopted the Washington State Disability provisions and infractions as defined by Washington Motor Vehicle Code (Title 46 RCW). Transportation Services adheres to the University's Accommodating Persons with Disabilities policy (POL-U1600.03). Upon the request of any University Police Officer or Parking Enforcement Officer, any person using a posted disability parking space is required by law to show their Washington State Disability Identification. Parking on Western’s campus is always subject to capacity limitations which shape all parking policies and procedures, including the ability to implement accommodations.

For information about where to find disability parking and to review accessible routes through campus, please visit the “Accessibility” layer of Western’s Campus map.

Daytime hours (Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 4:30 pm): A WWU parking pass is required along with your state-issued disability placard. You may purchase parking at one of the pay stations in the C lot or 6V lot. Additionally, you may purchase parking by using the Parkmobile app (Use Zone 1200). This parking permit, along with your disability placard, will allow you to park in any disability parking space on campus. If the disability parking space nearest your destination is full, you can park in an adjacent, non-reserved, parking space.

Weekdays after 4:30pm and all-day Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: A WWU parking pass is not required as long as you display your valid state disability placard.

Please ensure your disability placard is always clearly visible while parked on campus.

How to park if you have a valid state-issued disability permit 

A valid state-issued disability permit AND a valid on-campus WWU Parking Permit are required to park in a posted accessible parking space. 

If all ADA spaces are occupied:

• Park in the nearest valid non-reserved parking space
• Make sure you have a WWU permit and display your state placard
• Report repeated shortages to Transportation Services

A valid placard does not allow parking in:

• Reserved or departmental spaces
• Service/vendor zones (beyond posted time)
• Fire lane or emergency zones
• 20-minute zones beyond posted time
• "No Parking" or construction-restricted areas

Please ensure your disability placard is always clearly visible while parked on campus.

How to Obtain a Quarterly, Academic, or Annual WWU Disability Permit

This is a Western Only disability parking permit that is available from Transportation Services. Students and Employees must have a valid state-issued disability permit, proof of registration may be requested to confirm the awarding of a WWU Disability Permit. Follow the instructions on obtaining a Student Parking Permit or an Employee Parking Permit and add yourself to the WWU Disability Permit waitlist. Please contact transportation@wwu.edu if you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining this permit.

Please ensure your disability placard is always clearly visible while parked on campus.

How to Purchase an Hourly or Daily WWU Parking Permit

Daytime hours (Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 4:30 pm): A WWU parking pass is required along with your state-issued disability placard. You may purchase parking at one of the pay stations in the C lot or 6V lot. Additionally, you may purchase parking by using the Parkmobile app (Use Zone 1200). This parking permit, along with your disability placard, will allow you to park in any disability parking space on campus. If the disability parking space nearest your destination is full, you can park in an adjacent, non-reserved, parking space.

Weekdays after 4:30 pm and all-day Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: A WWU parking pass is not required as long as you display your valid state disability placard.

Please ensure your disability placard is always clearly visible while parked on campus.

Transportation Services Temporary Parking Accommodation

Transportation Services recognizes the importance of providing reasonable parking accommodations for students and employees. Students and employees who qualify for a state-issued disability parking permit, may qualify for a WWU temporary parking accommodation. These accommodations are provided by Transportation Services and serve as a bridge between the occurrence of the condition that impairs the routine mobility of the student or employee to the time that the individual receives a state-issued disability parking permit. Students and employees that have questions about Temporary Parking Accommodations or want to request an accommodation must contact Transportation Services at transportation@wwu.edu or 360-650-2945.

If You Don’t Qualify for a State-Issued Disability Parking Permit

Western students or employees who do not qualify for a state-issued disability parking permit but still experience disability-related barriers to parking on campus may be eligible for a parking accommodation through the Disability Access Center for students or Human Resources for employees.

Admitted Students Requesting Parking Accommodations 

Admitted students should fill out a New Student Application through the DAC. The DAC will then reach out to schedule an Access Planning Meeting where we will review the disability-related barriers and supporting tertiary documentation. If the DAC determines there are transportation barriers that warrant accommodation, the DAC will collaborate with Transportation Services on implementation. If granted, the accommodation would consist of awarding of a student parking permit or prioritized placement on the waitlist with the next relevant parking awards cycle.

Employees Requesting Parking Accommodations 

Employees should follow the instructions provided by Human Resources to Request an Accommodation. If HR determines there are transportation barriers that warrant accommodation, HR will collaborate with the Transportation Services on implementation.

If you receive a citation while using ADA accommodations:

• All Information is on the back of the citation
• Visit the Parking Portal
• Select "Submit Appeal"
• Provide supporting documentation, such as permit or placard information