Spring Break
Faculty, students recognize Disability Awareness Month
Student Senate, university take measures ensuring campuswide handicap accessibility
Nicole Strittmater
Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: Campus News
Former senior Doug Black said he didn't pay much attention to accessibility on the UW-Eau Claire campus before being in a wheelchair.
"It all looked good to me, (but) boy, you find out a lot of things," said Black, who is taking this semester off. He said it is difficult just to get in some of the doors, let alone the bathrooms.
"That's still a big deal for me," he said. "You have to make long trips to get where you're going, which isn't bad on a beautiful day … but when it's snowing and raining then it makes it a little more difficult."
October is Disability Awareness Month, prompting several events and the continued discussion with university faculty and students about the need for more handicap accessibility.
"One of the challenges that we have is not only our terrain but also the age of the buildings," said Kathy Hurley, director of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Limited funding from the state creates another challenge, Hurley said, but the university is involved in several accessibility initiatives.
An accessible restroom on the first floor of Hibbard Hall and the second floor of Human Sciences and Services is in the works, Hurley said.
In the future, the university plans to look into library accessibility, she said, making sure the elevator doors sound when opened.
Kimberly O'Kelly, coordinator for Parking & Transportation, said the university installed a new ramp in the Hibbard Hall parking lot for "safe and easy access." She said there is also a new handrail there and the stairs have been relocated.
"We knew it needed to be done. I think it's a great improvement," she said.
Student Senate is also involved in the initiative.
"My main goal this semester is 'what things can we do quickly and cost effectively?'" Vice President Meghan Charlier said.
She said there are concerns with the elevator access in Hilltop Center, and most people don't know one exists.
Because of this, Senate plans to put up signs in the building showing where the elevator is, Charlier said.
"It all looked good to me, (but) boy, you find out a lot of things," said Black, who is taking this semester off. He said it is difficult just to get in some of the doors, let alone the bathrooms.
"That's still a big deal for me," he said. "You have to make long trips to get where you're going, which isn't bad on a beautiful day … but when it's snowing and raining then it makes it a little more difficult."
October is Disability Awareness Month, prompting several events and the continued discussion with university faculty and students about the need for more handicap accessibility.
"One of the challenges that we have is not only our terrain but also the age of the buildings," said Kathy Hurley, director of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Limited funding from the state creates another challenge, Hurley said, but the university is involved in several accessibility initiatives.
An accessible restroom on the first floor of Hibbard Hall and the second floor of Human Sciences and Services is in the works, Hurley said.
In the future, the university plans to look into library accessibility, she said, making sure the elevator doors sound when opened.
Kimberly O'Kelly, coordinator for Parking & Transportation, said the university installed a new ramp in the Hibbard Hall parking lot for "safe and easy access." She said there is also a new handrail there and the stairs have been relocated.
"We knew it needed to be done. I think it's a great improvement," she said.
Student Senate is also involved in the initiative.
"My main goal this semester is 'what things can we do quickly and cost effectively?'" Vice President Meghan Charlier said.
She said there are concerns with the elevator access in Hilltop Center, and most people don't know one exists.
Because of this, Senate plans to put up signs in the building showing where the elevator is, Charlier said.
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