Howard University

Planning an Accessible Visit to Howard University

Howard's main campus sits in the Shaw and LeDroit Park area of Northwest Washington, a neighbourhood of historic rowhouses, older sidewalks and some noticeable slopes. Visitors with mobility, sensory or cognitive disabilities will have an easier day if they plan the route ahead rather than relying on finding their way on arrival.

Getting there

The closest Metrorail stop is Shaw-Howard University on the Green and Yellow lines. Metro stations have elevators, but elevators are sometimes out of service, so check WMATA's elevator and escalator status page before you set off. Several Metrobus routes also run near campus, and MetroAccess, the region's paratransit service, is an option for eligible riders who book in advance. If you are driving, ask your campus contact about accessible parking before the day of your visit. Street parking nearby can be limited.

On campus

Like many older universities, Howard has a mix of historic and modern buildings, and step-free access can vary from one building to the next. Before attending a lecture, event or meeting, consider these steps:

• Ask the event organiser which entrance is accessible and whether an elevator serves the room.
• Request accommodations such as ASL interpretation, captioning or reserved seating early, because these often take time to arrange.
• Check where the nearest accessible restroom is.
• Allow extra time to cross campus, especially in bad weather.

Students and prospective students can contact the university's office responsible for disability accommodations. It can explain how to register and what documentation may be needed. Policies change, so confirm the current details directly with the university.

Why campus access matters

Universities are often where people first meet the gap between legal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and what daily access actually feels like. Campus partnerships give advocates a chance to hear from disabled students, staff and neighbours, and to turn those experiences into practical recommendations. You can learn more about this work on our Programs page. Our policy briefs and community resources cover transit, education and accessible public spaces across the District.