Western Washington University

05/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2026 17:27

May 22 Universal Design workshop invites participants to explore accessibility

May 22 Universal Design workshop invites participants to explore accessibility

All-day event, organized by the Urban and Environmental Planning & Policy department, invites us to reimagine campus as a space for all

May 6, 2026

Universal Design workshop

Friday, May 22

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Viking Union 462 A&B

Free and open to the public. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are welcome

Register to attend

On Friday, May 22, the Urban and Environmental Planning & Policy (UEPP) Department's Diversity and Student Outreach Committee will host a day-long workshop dedicated to advancing accessibility through Universal Design principles across Western Washington University.

Universal Design is defined by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design as "the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people."

"The goal of this event is to explore the principles of universal design as a tangible commitment to equity, inclusion, and innovation. We invite everyone at WWU, as well as members of the greater community, to join us in this important conversation and help shape a more accessible and inclusive future together," said Tammi Laninga, professor and program director of Urban Planning and Sustainable Development (UPSD) and a faculty member on the event organizing committee.

Implementing the principles of Universal Design could help ensure that every student, staff member and visitor can navigate all parts of campus in an equitable, safe, and efficient manner. This includes all physical and digital spaces, from campus pathways, routes, bathrooms, classrooms, and offices to WWU's online environment.

The agenda for the all-day event includes:

Welcome and guest presentations

9-11 a.m., Viking Union 462 A&B

Welcome address and introduction to the principles of Universal Design by Carli Hoki of C Hoki Design, a Seattle-based design firm specializing in accessible and Universal Design, who will share real-world insights on implementing Universal Design. Presentation by Francisco Laso, assistant professor in the Environmental Studies Department, and students on a campus accessibility mapping project.

Catered lunch and reflections

11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Viking Union 462 A&B

Over lunch, attendees will share personal experiences with campus navigation and accessibility issues and examples of Universal Design encountered on or off campus.

Campus tour

12:15 - 1:30 p.m., meet at Viking Union at High Street doors

Student volunteers will lead a tour to highlight both successes and opportunities for Universal Design improvements on campus, encouraging participants to see familiar spaces with new eyes and consider how pathways, buildings, classrooms, bathrooms, offices, and virtual environments can better serve everyone.

Snack break

1:45 - 2 p.m., Viking Union 462 A&B

Interactive workshop

2 - 3 p.m., Viking Union 462 A&B

Hands-on, table-top mapping exercise focused on accessibility and transportation. Participants will be invited to:

  • Map routes from parking areas to daily destinations, including classrooms, workspaces, and student services.
  • Identify barriers and obstacles in campus infrastructure and collaborate on creative solutions to make WWU more navigable and inclusive.
  • Envision an on-campus electric shuttle route to improve mobility for students, staff, and visitors facing accessibility challenges.

Closing and next steps

3-4 p.m., Viking Union 462 A&B

Organizers will share resources and suggest next steps for bringing about a more accessible campus. Attendees will have the opportunity to share new insights and final thoughts.

This event is made possible by a Thaddeus Spratlen and Lois Price-Spratlen Inclusion and Diversity Grant. The grant was awarded to UEPP's Diversity and Student Outreach Committee through the efforts of Dr. Laninga and a UEPP student team consisting of juniors Kai Brown and Christopher Gaffney, and seniors Remi Rogoff, Paige Robbins, Anika Nelson, and Alyssa Starmer.

This year's event builds on previous iterations of the annual Diversity and Student Outreach Committee workshops focused on diversity, inclusion, and belonging, by expanding the conversation beyond the department to the entire WWU community.

The May 22 Universal Design Workshop promises to be a collaborative, solutions-oriented event that will lay the groundwork for a more accessible and welcoming future at WWU.

This event is free and open to the public. Students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to join for part or all of the workshop. Register here.

Western Washington University published this content on May 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 06, 2026 at 23:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]