2008 Woodie Awards
Handicap access a concern on campus
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: Op-Ed
While many students will be celebrating 10 days off by going to Mexico, Canada or other fun locations. I will be at home recovering from ankle surgery. Yes, I know, you are asking, 'why are you telling me this?'
As of next week I will be considered 'handicapped.' I am sure most students have never had to experience this and I hope they never have to. However, since most students have never been in this situation, they have never considered the handicap accessibility of our campus and how even just going to class can be difficult activity.
For the past month and a half, I have been considering it and am concerned about how I am going to have a normal life once I come back from spring break. How will I get into the bathroom in my residence hall? How will I shower? How will I get to and from the different buildings on campus? This is a daily concern for those who are handicapped on our campus. Horrible brick sidewalks make walking difficult enough when able-bodied students walk on them; imagine having to crutch up and down them. Also consider the possibility of more snow and ice. With the way sidewalks were cleared after the snow storm on Valentine's Day, I would be lucky to even get out of my building without having my crutches slip and injuring myself further. I guess I should get the chains and snow tires ready for my wheelchair just in case.
While these concerns are occupying my mind, my biggest concern is actually getting to and from classes. My program holds all of its classes at the Graduate Business Center, which is off 202 and Boot Rd. near Exton. There is so transportation from the main West Chester campus to this location. Because of this, for the past two semesters, I have taken Septa to and from class when I wasn't able to get a ride from a classmate. Of course, the bus does not go directly to the GBC, so I have to walk on the shoulder of the road for about a half-mile from the bus stop, with cars flying past me. This trip will be extremely difficult if not impossible in a wheel chair or on crutches.
As of next week I will be considered 'handicapped.' I am sure most students have never had to experience this and I hope they never have to. However, since most students have never been in this situation, they have never considered the handicap accessibility of our campus and how even just going to class can be difficult activity.
For the past month and a half, I have been considering it and am concerned about how I am going to have a normal life once I come back from spring break. How will I get into the bathroom in my residence hall? How will I shower? How will I get to and from the different buildings on campus? This is a daily concern for those who are handicapped on our campus. Horrible brick sidewalks make walking difficult enough when able-bodied students walk on them; imagine having to crutch up and down them. Also consider the possibility of more snow and ice. With the way sidewalks were cleared after the snow storm on Valentine's Day, I would be lucky to even get out of my building without having my crutches slip and injuring myself further. I guess I should get the chains and snow tires ready for my wheelchair just in case.
While these concerns are occupying my mind, my biggest concern is actually getting to and from classes. My program holds all of its classes at the Graduate Business Center, which is off 202 and Boot Rd. near Exton. There is so transportation from the main West Chester campus to this location. Because of this, for the past two semesters, I have taken Septa to and from class when I wasn't able to get a ride from a classmate. Of course, the bus does not go directly to the GBC, so I have to walk on the shoulder of the road for about a half-mile from the bus stop, with cars flying past me. This trip will be extremely difficult if not impossible in a wheel chair or on crutches.
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