The University Campus Access Committee is working on several projects to ensure buildings and sidewalks on campus are safe and accessible for all.
The committee recently began working on a revised version of the University route map. The new map will outline the quickest path from place to place on campus. It will clearly identify wheelchair accessible doors, elevator access and curb cuts, which are areas where the sidewalk slopes onto street level.
“This information is very important for individuals who are on campus all the time or are just here visiting,” Director of Disability Services Steve Pickett said. “Clearly marked maps will help individuals lower their fatigue and their frustration levels as they move around on campus.”
University administrators also asked the committee to compile a list of areas on campus that have accessibility problems. These areas can range from sections of the sidewalk that have buckled because of underlying tree roots to buildings with hard-to-access doors and elevators. Administrators will prioritize the problem areas based on traffic, danger to users and general need.
To make effective repairs, the committee is asking for comments and suggestions from community members on specific problem areas.
“We need to have individual eyes and ears looking at situations and giving us feedback on what needs to be fixed,” Pickett said. “We want to make this an enjoyable and accessible campus for everyone.”
Individuals who want to make a suggestion to the committee should e-mail Disability Services at [email protected] with a description of the problem, the location, the date they observed the problem and their personal contact information including full name, e-mail and phone number.
— Aimee Rudin