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Students with Disabilities

Disabled Student Options  

The Office of Transportation Services is committed to providing the Cornell Community with viable parking and transportation options. Our office understands the importance of convenient and accessible parking. We are available to work with all students who qualify for special accommodations to identify and facilitate parking and parking alternatives. A map of accessible parking and building entrances can be found here.

Process for obtaining accessible transportation accommodations:  

  1. Student contacts Student Disability Services, to make an appointment and completes an application for transportation accommodations for medical reasons.
  2. A representative from the Office of Student Disability Services will review the options for transportation accommodations.
  3. Application is sent to health provider to review and complete health provider portion. In addition, the health provider sends verification of applicant’s medical information on their business letterhead.
  4. Both the application and the health providers’ letter should be sent to Student Disability Services.
  5. Student is either accommodated at the Office of Student Disability Services or referred to C&PS with an appropriate recommendation.  

Transit Options  

Bus pass

Issued at the Office of Student Disability Services, this unlimited-use pass allows access to all TCAT routes throughout Tompkins County. If needed, every effort will be made to place a lift-equipped transit vehicle on your route. Call TCAT at 277- RIDE at least 24 hours prior to your need to ride. No fee.  

CU Lift

This accessible transportation is offered only on campus. Rides are scheduled through the Office of Student Disability Services. No fee.  

ADA Paratransit Service

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), public transit companies are required to provide service to everyone in the community, within the corridor of fixed transit routes. If you are prevented from using fixed-route buses because of a disabling condition, ADA Paratransit may be offered. ADA Paratransit is a curb-to-curb, demand-responsive public transportation service. Approval and scheduling of rides is coordinated through TCAT. Call the ADA Paratransit Coordinator at TCAT (277-9388, extension 450). Fee depends upon point of travel.  

Parking Options

Purchase an individual student parking permit which allows:

  • On-campus resident students to park close to their residential community. 
  • Commuting students (off-campus residents) to park in a student commuter lot.

Purchase a tier 6 student handicap parking permit which allows parking in:

  • All general handicap parking spaces at all times 
  • Student commuter parking areas C,K,O, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Metered handicap spaces (must pay meter)

Permits are issued at C&PS, based on the determination made by Student Disability Services.