Accessibility
We strive to make our courses, programs and events accessible to all who would like to participate. To learn more about accessibility or to request accommodations, email us at olli@unca.edu or call 828-251-6140.
Onsite Participation at the Reuter Center
Most of OLLI’s courses, programs and events take place at the Reuter Center on UNC Asheville’s campus (GPS address: 300 Campus View Road, Asheville, NC 28804). The Reuter Center has an upper level (four classrooms, one single and two multi-stall restrooms, common area and staff offices) and a lower level (two classrooms, one single and two multi-stall restrooms, large common area, self-serve café and outdoor patio).
Parking
There are four designated-accessible parking spaces adjacent to the main entrance on the upper level, and five designated-accessible parking spaces adjacent to the main entrance on the lower level. Vehicles parked in those spaces must display a valid state-issued disability placard or plate. A UNC Asheville parking permit is required to park on campus; read more about campus parking.
Entrances
Both levels’ main entrances are unlocked during business hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) and on evenings and weekends for scheduled special events. Accessible door buttons are available inside and outside, for both the inner and outer doors.
Both levels’ side/west entrances are locked from the outside at all times but may be used to exit from the inside. An accessible door button is available inside and outside for the side/west entrance on the lower level.
Barrier-free access is provided throughout all spaces inside and outside the Reuter Center.
Stairs/Elevator
Visitors may use either the interior main stairs or an elevator to move between the upper and lower levels.
Restrooms
There are two multi-stall restrooms and one single restroom on each level. All restrooms have grab bars next to each toilet. An accessible door button is available inside and outside each single restroom.
Seating and Capacity
The default setup of tables and seating varies by classroom:
- 102: 40 six-foot tables with 2-3 plastic/mesh chairs each, facing projector screen/podium
- 120: 6 six-foot tables with 3 plastic/mesh chairs each, facing projector screen/podium
- 205: 16 adjustable student desks with mesh/upholstery chairs, 2 mesh/upholstery chairs and 2 tablet tables, facing projector screen/podium
- 206: 34 six-foot tables with 2-3 plastic/mesh chairs each, facing projector screen/podium
- 207: 6 six-foot tables with 3 plastic/mesh chairs each, facing large-screen television
- 230: 6 six-foot tables with 3 plastic/mesh chairs each, facing projector screen/podium
In addition, most classrooms have at least one bariatric chair.
Default setup may change depending on course/program needs; email us to inquire about setup for your upcoming course, program or event.
Assistive Listening
All classrooms have integrated public-address systems, and all instructors/presenters and participants are asked to use microphones. In addition, all classrooms have assistive-listening options:
- 102 and 206: A hearing-loop system transmits directly to hearing aids with a telecoil (T-coil).
- All classrooms: Headset/assistive-listening devices are available on request.
Participants may pick up a headset/assistive-listening device in the OLLI office (Reuter 208). You will be asked to leave a driver’s license or other form of identification, which will be returned to you in exchange for the device.
We encourage participants to let instructors/presenters and/or OLLI staff know if you have any trouble hearing once in our classrooms so that we can provide the most accessible experience possible.
Captions/Subtitles
Instructors/presenters are asked to enable captions or subtitles on videos whenever possible. Live captions may be available; if possible, email us at least two business days in advance to inquire about the availability of live captions for your upcoming course, program or event.
Service Animals
Only service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act are permitted in the Reuter Center. Read more about the ADA’s requirements for service animals.
Offsite Participation
Assistive Listening
OLLI instructors/presenters have access to:
- Two Tour-Mate TM600 group-guide systems: Participants hear 1-2 instructors/presenters through individual radio receivers through OLLI-supplied headphones, earpieces or a neck-loop that transmits to the participant’s hearing aids.
- Two portable public-address systems: Participants hear 1-2 instructors/presenters through a loud speaker.
General Accessibility
OLLI staff will email general accessibility information at least 24 hours in advance to registered participants in OLLI-organized programs that take place off campus, such as field trips.
Website
UNC Asheville’s website, including OLLI’s subsite, was updated in March 2026 in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you encounter any issues, email us so that we can promptly correct them.
Digital Course Materials
During the 2026-2027 academic year, College for Seniors instructors will receive training on best practices in universal design and in making digital course materials, such as emailed slides and other handouts, accessible for screen readers no later than April 26, 2027. If you encounter any issues, email us.
Online Participation
OLLI offers a robust selection of courses, programs and events that are either hybrid (simultaneous in-person/online) or online-only via the Zoom teleconferencing platform. Most offer online participants the ability to engage fully with the instructor/presenter, in-person participants and fellow online participants. Visit OLLI’s online registration system to find current online course offerings through the College for Seniors and Osher Online, and visit the Calendar page for online options for programs and events.
The Zoom teleconferencing platform has built-in accessibility features such as live captioning, customizable display settings, keyboard controls, screen-reader support, dark mode and more. Learn more about Zoom’s accessibility features.