A Variety of People, a Variety of Needs
Part of living our UU values is recognizing the differing needs of one another. If you did not include information about special needs on the registration form or if you have questions or concerns, please contact our SUUSI Accessibility Liaisons at access@SUUSI.org. You can also stop by the Accessibility table in Registration.
Accessibility Buddies
If you have experience with and/or would enjoy assisting or working with those with special needs, please consider volunteering to be an Accessibility Buddy. Volunteers are needed to help those with special needs to carry trays in the dining hall, carry items to programming or elsewhere on campus, minimize triggers in programming, or other small requests. We are also in need of volunteers to work with Youth, Middlers, and Teens who have neurodiverse or other special needs. This is a WONDERFULLY ENRICHING way to make connections and build beloved community! You will see these requests under “Special Jobs” in the volunteer section in registration in SOLIS or you may volunteer at access@SUUSI.org.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
We are very excited to get to know the competent and caring staff in the Radford dining hall!
- Food Allergy and Sensitivity Meet-up: Check back here for dates and times to attend this helpful and informative session. This is the time to ask questions and learn about options. Get to know your dining services staff so it will be easier for them to to help you out!
- Food Options: Please be sure to complete any dietary restrictions you may have under Special Needs in registration in SOLIS. Although guarantees can not be made the dining staff will be working with SUUSI to provide options that are both safe and enjoyable for everyone! Dining hall staff are usually happy to check on ingredients for you; please be aware that requests made during peak meal times may require some patience before busy staffers are available to check for you. Be sure to attend the meet listed above to ask about specific needs.
Mobility Scooters
Scooters will be delivered the Friday before SUUSI, July 19, and then left to be picked up on Monday, July 29. They will be delivered to Heth Hall and stored in the basement. Mobility scooters may be rented from EZ Mobility Solutions for a cost of about $200, including delivery.
Go to https://Sensitivity to Noise, People, and Other Stimuli
Love SUUSI but easily overwhelmed? We hear you!
- Quiet Zones: Meditation spaces, recovery spaces, and low stimuli spaces may be available around the campus. Check back here for more details as we get closer to our event. An Accessibility Map with places like this noted will be available at the Accessibility table at registration.
- Online Streaming and Closed Captioning: SUUSI staff is working to make these options available. Check back to see more information as it is determined.
Finding Your Tribe
Check the SUUSI Catalog for affinity group meet-ups such as those for neurodiverse and other special needs families, seniors, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC. Whether you have questions, concerns, or answers to share, meet other SUUSI participants with similar life experiences. We will have some activities available to start things off easy. More information can be found on our DEI page.
Moving at Your Own Pace
Appreciating the liveliness of those around you but need to move at your own speed?
- Housing and Programming Spaces: As an updated university campus, Radford University provides us with buildings, walkways, and rooms that are accessible for those who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices. We try to ensure that SUUSI activities are held in accessible spaces if at all possible. The number of ADA-compliant accessible dorm rooms is limited, so please be sure to note your specific needs for such a room when you register. We will do our best to assign you to a room that meets your needs.
- Star Car: SUUSI provides limited on-campus transportation via our Star Cars (golf carts), and we work hard to accommodate people with physical challenges. We encourage people who need them to book Star Car rides in advance—at registration or at the SUUSI office throughout the week. Additionally, an Accessibility Map with the locations of wheelchair-accessible entrances will be available at registration.
- Nature Programs: Our Nature staff strives to create a variety of trips that will appeal to a variety of people. Accommodations are often available upon request, so please be sure to ask ahead of time so that plans can be made to include as many as possible.
- On-campus Assistance: Upon request an Accessibility Buddy would love to help you carry a tray in the dining hall, help you carry items on campus, or other small requests. This program is a new addition to SUUSI and will be available on a first come first serve basis, so please get your requests in early. Requests for assistance may be made under Special Needs in registration in SOLIS or at access@suusi.org.
- More area resources: The New River Valley Disability Resource Center also has a wealth of information and is located near the Radford campus. Go to https://www.nrvdrc.org/ and click on Resources to learn more.
Food allergies, sensitivities, or other dining hall concerns? Join Radford and SUUSI staff members to discuss or discover your options! Any other time, one can always ask for the manager or chef on duty and they will walk anyone through the options--they do this all the time for students. Favorite Fidgets for Families! Families with sensory challenges and special needs are invited to create handmade fidgets, show and tell their favorites, ask questions, make plans, and share tips for making SUUSI a wonderful experience! Cold treats available! A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! A smaller group setting within the dining hall intended to create a welcoming space for ages 60+ SUUSI-goers to make connections. Look for the Meal Meetup table signs! BIPOC SUUSI-goers are invited to come together for fun and fellowship. OASUUS is an intentional community meant for Black, Indigenous, & other People of Color. BIPOC families are invited to come together for fun and fellowship. OASUUS is an intentional community meant for Black, Indigenous, & other People of Color. Please honor and respect this space. Lounge for BIPOC members of the SUUSI Community LGBTQ+ of all ages are invited to play games and mingle!