What is a Texas Accessibility Standards/Universal Design (TAS/UD) assessment?
Austin ISD is evaluating how well district facilities support accessibility, inclusion, and universal access for all students, staff, families, and community members.
The assessment reviews facilities against:
- Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) / ADA — state requirements that ensure buildings are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
- Universal Design principles — design practices that create spaces that are usable and welcoming in the same way for people with a wide range of abilities, ages, and needs.
What is being evaluated?
Examples may include:
- Accessible parking and campus arrival points
- Building entrances and pathways
- Restrooms and drinking fountains
- Classroom accessibility
- Signage and wayfinding
- Elevators and vertical access
- Seating and gathering spaces
- Access to playgrounds and outdoor learning areas
- Safety and emergency egress
- Access to technology and learning environments
Why is this important?
Accessibility improvements help ensure that all students, staff, families, and visitors can fully participate in school activities and programs. Evaluating facilities through both compliance and inclusion lenses allows the district to identify barriers and prioritize improvements that support access districtwide.