The University of Michigan was ranked as the best disability friendly college or university in the United States in the College Choice 2016 rankings, which were released on May 26.

The rankings take into account programming and support services that include those for students with learning disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, visual and hearing impairment, and those with physical needs that require special access, accommodations, service animals or alternative transportation. 

“The vast majority of universities in the United States simply meet the minimum accessibility standards set by the government. The schools on this list, however, are some of the best in the country at committing resources and funding to equip their students with the tools they need to thrive,” says Coby Cagle, associate editor of the ranking.

U-M’s Services for Students with Disabilities was highlighted as an instrumental resource for students with disability needs. The office, created in 1973 as the Office of Disabled Student Services, had 2,474 students registered in 2015, with more than 700 new students from the previous year. That same year, nearly 1,000 students who were registered with SSD graduated from U-M.

In 2016, the office expects to double the number of students it supported during the 2010-11 school year, as SSD services nearly 6 percent of all undergraduate, graduate and professional students at U-M.

“With this ranking we highlight the universities and colleges that devote an abundant amount of resources to ensure that students of all abilities have equal access to a high-quality education,” says Christian Amondson, managing editor of College Choice.