Our consultants are committed to ongoing education in disability studies to better assist disabled and neurodiverse students, faculty, and staff. There is always room for growth, and we welcome your suggestions on making your visit to the Writing Center as comfortable and productive as possible. We hope you will feel free to share your disability or preferred learning styles with us, but you are never required to do so. If you like, you can indicate on the appointment intake form under “appointment details” any concerns that you may have or any accommodations that may be helpful. You can also let your consultant know at the beginning of the session or by calling the front desk ahead of your appointment at 412-624-6556.
The information below is intended to help disabled and neurodiverse individuals prepare for sessions in our physical space.
Parking
Parking close to the O’Hara Student Center can be a challenge during normal business hours. There is a small University lot adjacent to the Center, with an entrance on O’Hara Street, between the O’Hara Student Center and the Gardner Steel Conference Center. This lot is connected to the Center, with accessible entrances within 10-20 feet of the parking spaces. There are only about 8 spaces in this lot, including one accessible parking space, but it’s worth trying at any time since there is a 2-hour limit on parking. It is easy to turn around and leave if nothing is available. There is metered, on-street parking on O’Hara Street and nearby side streets, but parking can be tight during normal business hours. Soldiers and Sailors Garage is the closest public parking lot. Fifth Avenue bus stops are a block away and require an uphill climb to get to the entrance of the O’Hara Student Center.
Physical Layout
The O’Hara Student Center is ADA compliant, with a ramp that provides wheelchair access into the building. There is a spacious elevator on the first floor that provides access to the 3rd floor where the Writing Center is located. If the elevator is not working, our consultants will meet visitors who are unable to use the stairs on the first floor of the Student Center. Contact our front desk at 412-624-6556 to let us know.
The Writing Center itself is a large open room filled with rectangular tables that seat four people. All the tables are designed for wheelchair access, with enough space to maneuver in the rows between them. You can browse some recent photos of our space: Main Room; Quieter Area, and Reception Area.
Masks and General Safety Precautions
Wearing a mask in the Writing Center is optional: some of our consultants continue to wear them and some do not. We have disposable surgical masks available at our front desk. Consultants will wear a mask if requested and visitors are invited to take a mask if needed. Our tables are cleaned between sessions with disinfectant wipes and every table has a bottle of hand sanitizer and a tissue box. Even with these precautions, we ask that you do not schedule an in-person session if you have cold symptoms or feel unwell. Online sessions are a good option in those situations. We ask the same of our consultants and tutors. They will shift the appointment to online if they have cold symptoms but are feeling well enough to work.
Lighting
The Writing Center has many large windows that provide a lot of natural light. There is also fluorescent lighting overhead. Blinds can be lowered for light-sensitive students. We also have an area in the back of the room, with less window exposure, that can be further darkened if needed.
Noise
We limit the number of consultants working at the same time in our physical space to ensure a safe distance between people; however, the Writing Center is a big, open room and people who are sensitive to noise may be distracted by the sounds of nearby tutoring sessions.
We have two private offices with doors that we use for consultations with individuals who are sensitive to noise or easily distracted. Let us know at the beginning of the session if you would like a more private area.
Deaf/HOH Services
DRS (Disability Resources and Services) provides communication access for Writing Center sessions. These services do require advance notice.
Service and Support Animals
We ask visitors with service and support animals to follow guidelines regarding animals on university property.
Tactile Tools
Tactile tools such as stress balls and fidget toys are available throughout the Writing Center for individuals who benefit from using them while attending a session or waiting for a session to begin.
Please call us at 412-624-6556 or email us at writecen@pitt.edu if we can be of further assistance. We look forward to working with you!