A ride service dedicated to helping disabled students and faculty members move around campus began Monday.
The service, called the “Bessman Shuttle,” was created after University alumna Rose Bessman researched the mobility needs of disabled students and faculty for her senior thesis and pushed administrators to create the shuttle.
Before graduating last spring, Bessman, a family and human services major, worked with Disability Services, the Department of Public Safety, former Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Anne Leavitt, and University President Dave Frohnmayer to establish the shuttle service.
DPS is contracting with Assault Prevention Services to use two APS shuttles during the day. DPS will pay about $5,000 for the first term of operation, using money from parking tickets, permits, special event fees and parking meters to cover gas and maintenance for the shuttles. APS is not charging for use of the vans.
Steve Pickett, Director of Disability Services, said an outpouring of support for the shuttle service came following Bessman’s research. The program hopes to ease the struggle faced by disabled students when trying to rush between classes.
“If you’re tired, you’re not going to be able to perform at your best,” he said.
Shuttles will cater to individuals with permanent and temporary disabilities, including people with invisible disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis or heart conditions.
Officials also hope to partner with the Athletics Department and help injured athletes, Pickett said.
DPS is implementing the program on a trial basis, which will be reviewed at the end of the term.
“If we don’t use it, then we’ll lose it,” Pickett said.
Future funding for the shuttle may come from private sponsorship and advertisement sales, Pickett said. Local businesses can sponsor the shuttle by purchasing advertisements to be placed inside or outside the vans.
Bessman, who suffers from knee and back problems, said she wished a similar service had been available during her time at the University.
Shuttles circle campus Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vans are staggered so pickups are only two to three minutes apart.
One van is wheelchair accessible and begins operation today, said Rand Stamm, manager of parking and transportation for DPS.
Shuttle routes are based on the schedules of disabled students and faculty submitted to the Registrar’s Office, but are open for change if service is needed elsewhere.
“This is brand-new territory,” said Stamm. “We will modify (the program) to best fit the students.”

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