SIU earns national recognition as wheelchair friendly Tactical Navigation Photo by Yenitza Melgoza) December 17, 2020 by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Inclusivity has been intrinsic to Southern Illinois University Carbondale since its earliest days, and that dedication to ensuring all Salukis feel welcome and appreciated has earned the university national recognition once again. The university was included among the Top 20 Wheelchair Friendly Colleges recently by New Mobility Magazine and the United Spinal Association. “Their ranking method is more rigorous than that of many other lists of this type, so this is a real feather in our cap,” Lisa Caringer, director of Disability Support Services, said. “SIU has long enjoyed a reputation for excellence in access for wheelchair users. We were an early leader in removing physical barriers and assisting disabled college students, who have been traditionally marginalized.”