Disability Awareness and Accessibility Resources at the Mort’s Case

On the first level of the Student Center, the Mort’s Case is now dedicated to inviting the campus community to reflect on accessibility, inclusivity, and the resources that support people of all abilities at the University of Missouri. The exhibition aims to raise awareness and encourage students, faculty, and staff to take an active role in building a campus where everyone feels welcome.

Exhibition Overview – First Level, MU Student Center

The story begins with MU’s early efforts in accessibility, including the establishment of the first accessible dormitories such as Dunklin House. These milestones remind us how important it has been to create spaces that allow all students to live, learn, and thrive on equal footing.

Dunklin House was the name of the first floor of Graham Hall before the '90s. 

Photo courtesy of University Archives, Collection C:1/83/16.

From there, the exhibition moves into the present day, highlighting the many resources currently available at MU. Visitors will learn about the Office of Accessibility and ADA, the Disability Center, and the Adaptive Computing Technology Center. Together, these services illustrate the university’s commitment to supporting students with disabilities and to the principle of “empowering people of all abilities.”

The Mizzou Disability Coalition took Mizzou administrators on a tour of campus to discuss developments in accessibility and to brainstorm future improvements in 2021. 

Photo courtesy The Mizzou Disability Coalition.

An interactive section of the display focuses on internationally recognized disability symbols. These familiar icons—whether seen on parking spaces, elevators, or restrooms—carry important meanings that shape daily experiences. By engaging with this section, visitors are encouraged to become more aware of how accessibility is woven into everyday life.

Ultimately, the exhibition not only showcases resources but also reminds us of the role each member of the university community can play in fostering inclusivity. By understanding the past, recognizing the present, and raising awareness for the future, the display underscores MU’s ongoing commitment to accessibility for all.

Curator: Hanxue Zhang

Collections: Missouri Student Unions

Location: Ground level of the Student Center G210