Disability Access

A valid state issued disability permit and a valid on-campus WWU purchased parking or permit are both required to park in a posted accessible parking space. After 4:30pm weekdays and all hours on weekends, only a valid state issued disability permit is required for parking in a posted accessible parking space.

How to Obtain a Quarterly/Academic/Annual WWU Disability Permit

The WWU disability permit is available from the Transportation Office. You must have a valid registered state disability permit; proof of registration may be requested to confirm the distribution of the WWU permit. A valid on-campus WWU permit and a State disability placard are required to park on campus. For rate information visit the permits page for either Students or Employees.

Disability Parking for Campus Visitors

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

After hours (Monday – Friday after 4:30pm, all day Saturday and Sunday): During these hours a WWU permit is not required as long as you display your valid state disability placard. You can park in any available disability space or adjacent space.

Campus Accessibility Map

For information about where to find disability parking and to see accessible routes through campus, please visit the Accessibility map.

Transportation Services Student Disability Accommodations

Transportation Services recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations in its policies and procedures and we are committed to supporting the University’s educational purpose and mission.  Transportation Services has adopted the Washington State Disability provisions and infractions as determined by RCW Title 46 Motor Vehicle Code.  Transportation Services adheres to the University's Accommodating Persons with Disabilities policy (POL-U1600.03), which reflects Western’s commitment to compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended; Section 504 the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-11) and 45 C.F.R. Part 84; Fair Housing Act of 1968 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3601 et seq., Chapter 49.60 RCW; and Chapter 28B.10 RCW.  Parking on the University’s campus is always subject to capacity limitations which shape all parking policies and procedures, including the ability to make accommodations.

Mobility Accommodations:

Students who have a valid, state issued disability parking placard or license plate with an accompanying valid on-campus WWU purchased parking or WWU parking permit are authorized to park in a posted ADA Parking Space.  After 4:30pm weekdays and all hours on weekends and holidays, only a valid state issued disability placard or license plate is required to park in a posted ADA Parking Space.  Any person using a posted ADA Parking Space is required to show their Washington State Disability Identification to any University Police Officer or Parking Enforcement Officer upon request.
Students who qualify for a state issued disability parking placard and have not yet received one, may qualify for a WWU temporary medical condition parking permit.  These permits are a bridge between the occurrence of the temporary condition that impairs mobility to the time that they receive a state issued disability parking placard.  Students needing a temporary medical condition parking permit must contact Transportation Services.

Non-mobility Accommodations:

Students who do not qualify for a state issued disability parking placard nor a WWU temporary medical condition parking permit, but still have a qualifying circumstance that is documented by their licensed healthcare provider may be eligible for a non-mobility accommodation.  Prior to seeking a non-mobility accommodation, students must first attempt to purchase a parking permit through the standard process.  
If this attempt is unsuccessful, the student may apply for services with the Disability Access Center.  Requests that are based off personal convenience, ease of access, or in any way not a medical necessity will not be considered.  The student will need to provide the Disability Access Center with documentation from their licensed healthcare provider specifically addressing:

  • The need for a parking accommodation that is beyond the state’s disability provisions.
  • Any additional information that the Disability Access Center requires.

Transportation Services partnering with the Disability Access Center will discuss the student’s non-mobility accommodation request, available solutions, and any possible accommodations.  Available parking accommodations consist of the awarding of a student parking permit or prioritized placement on the waitlist.  The Disability Access Center will provide their recommendations to Transportation Services, who will grant or deny the accommodation request.