In this recent article by the Misc (http://misc.vassar.edu/archives/2008/05/vassar_faciliti.html) we learned about Vassar's lack of access for disabled persons, and this is something that should worry all of us. How many dorms have access for disabled people? No Quad dorm, not Joss, not Cushing, and many buildings where we have class also lack access for everyone. And hey, I am not counting those lame elevators in the Quad dorms as "access" - would you want to call security every time you wanted to go up even one floor? Even the new Quad stairs were not even built to be accessible. Am I the only angry one that in 2008 we (yes, we) are not even able to provide all of the students with full access to every building? I come from a school that did not have a lot of money, but it was the country's law that every building had to be accessible to everyone, and the school had to start investing in ramps and elevation-machines for stairs and elevators. Will we have to wait for an alumni/ae to donate money to make this College accessible to everyone or will this institution (and us) take the matter seriously and start changing things around? I would be more than willing to help my friend up the stairs, but that is not the point, the fact is that we should all have the right to be able get wherever we want on this campus if we so desire. So, next time we think about getting swipe machines for the vending machines, why not think of things that actually matter first?
Cheers,
ElCarrà.
5.05.2008
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2 comments:
word. I had never actually thought about this until I read that article - the part that struck me most was the person who said that they hadn't thought about it either, until they became disabled and realized how hellish this campus is for someone in their position. Does anyone know how much they've thought about this in reference to the Davison/other dorm renovations?
hey littleone,
I wouldn't normally respond to an old post, but since you write on the blog I figure you might notice that there's a response.
All quad dorms will be accessible after the renovations. There will be a nice new accessible entrance ramp into each basement (which will be much improved after the renovations) and each dorm will get a new elevator. Floorplan designs take into account a turning radius, as well as accessible showers and toilets (like the renovated Joss bathrooms).
Also, the new THs will be accessible on the ground floor.
We shouldn't just think about wheelchair accessibility, though. There are a variety of disabilities that require a wide variety of accommodations.
In general, I think Vassar is moving towards greater consideration of disability issues, and we should expect significant improvement in the future.
Andrew
(VSA Dorm Renovations Coordinator)
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