Create a Safe Space

Be aware of others in the vicinity who may overhear confidential information that students share with you, especially students who disclose medical information. It is highly recommended that you speak to students in either: 1) A designated area or; 2) Make sure there is at least six feet of distance between the person at the counter and the next person in line.  (Like lines at pharmacies, it would be a good idea to place a sign and/or a marker on the floor to indicate where to wait in line to ensure student privacy is protected).

Be prepared to have visitors and students with mobility challenges in your offices and buildings. Make sure there are no obstructions in any walkways (e.g. bulky chairs, cables, plants, trashcans, etc):

• Ensure there is plenty of room in offices and hallways, so that visitors and students in wheelchairs, canes, scooters and crutches, can move freely without possibly getting hurt.
• Report non-functioning elevators or handicap push buttons right away to facilities/maintenance.
• Report to facilities any spaces on campus where you see visitors, faculty, students, or staff members struggling to access. These spaces will often require a simple solution, such as a ramp or railing along the steps.

Lighting

Be mindful of lighting in your area. When hallways and offices are too dark, people with vision problems can easily get hurt. On the other hand, if there are very bright florescent lights in your office, it can be harmful to people with migraines, sensitive eyes, and those prone to seizures.

Keep Office Spaces Sanitary

It can be detrimental to immune suppressed students and visitors (e.g. cancer, pregnancy, allergies to dust, etc) when our offices and buildings are not clean.

Here are important tips:

• Don't come to work if you think you may be contagious (because you could be putting people with low immune systems in danger).
• Wipe down areas that visitors touch regularly (e.g. door handles, pens, arm rests, counter tops).
• Avoid having strong scents in the area that can trigger migraines and other side effects.
• Some people have trichophobia, which is a fear of hair. So please use a lint roller regularly to remove hair, dust, and debris off of seating areas.

Flyers, Forms and Signs

• All flyers, handouts, and forms should be in easy-to-read font. Whenever possible, use at least 14 point font and double space to accommodate those with visual impairments and reading disorders.
• Make sure all signs are in easy to read font and that the font is big enough that people with visual challenges are able to read them with ease.
• Also make sure there is a braille interpretation of your signage for students and visitors who cannot read visually.