Accessibility Policy

Smith College is committed to compliance with both the spirit and the letter of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The goal of the college is to assure non-discrimination, to respond proactively in instances of discrimination, and to reasonably provide for full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of campus life.

The following entities and activities are considered public accommodations under the ADA: establishments serving food or drink; theatres; lecture halls; concert venues; sports facilities; places of exhibition, entertainment and recreation; and private undergraduate and postgraduate schools.

Any activities planned and scheduled to take place on the Smith campus that are open, or advertised as open, to the Smith community, the Five College community, or the general public should be accessible to persons with all types of disabilities.

Accessibility of Campus Events

All-campus parties must be held in locations that are accessible to persons with mobility impairments. Any questions should be directed to the Office of Disability Services by calling 413-585-2071 or emailing ods@smith.edu

For all organizations and houses hosting private events, if the event location is not accessible and guests with mobility impairments will be attending, arrangements should be made ahead of time to accommodate them or to reserve another location. If these arrangements have not been made, the organization or house will be unable to host the event. Questions should be directed to the Office of Disability Services by calling 413-585-2071 or emailing ods@smith.edu

Responsibilities of event planners include the following:

  • Reserving a location, which is accessible to persons with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users, and advertising the event as accessible. Symbols which denote accessibility are available upon request from the Office of Student Engagement.
  • Consulting the accessibility information table in the appendix of the Guide to Student Organizations and Event Planning when determining potential locations for your events.
  • Requesting and paying for sign-language interpreters, assistive listening devices, live captioning, and CART or other live transcription if requested at conferences, public lectures, concerts, etc. (Planners may say in publicity materials that such accommodations will be provided if participants request them at least two weeks ahead of time, and if service providers are available.
  • For assistance with Sign Language interpreter, CART, or ALD requests, please contact the Office of Disability Services at least two weeks in advance of the event by calling 413-585-2071 or emailing ods@smith.edu.
  • Advertising events in various media (i.e., both audio and visual formats).
  • Making available large-print copies of programs or other printed materials that may be handed out at events.
  • Sending an email to the Office of Disability Services regarding any event which accommodates persons with disabilities.
  • Asking all invited guests and participants whether they will need accommodations.

The Office of Disability Services is available to provide accessibility assistance to student organizations. For any questions related to the responsibilities outlined in this document, please contact the Office of Disability Services by calling 413-585-2071 or emailing ods@smith.edu

Updated August 2023