2008 Woodie Awards
Accessibility should be improved for people with disabilities
Issue date: 11/18/05 Section: Opinion
This is an issue that hasn't been really talked about too much, but is one that is still important.
Is this campus really that accessible for people with disabilities?
This is something that is being addressed more and more with the changes being made on this campus. With the new dorms, plans for a new union and other improvements throughout the next few years, the idea that this campus is becoming more accessible is something that is vital in keeping enrollment at a steady level, while making this campus more welcoming to all.
Everybody has the right to easy access to public places. People complain when they don't have access to the Internet, their favorite movie or a phone when they want to. Why should people with disabilities expect anything less from a university that is supposed to supply an equal opportunity?
At least this university is doing something about it. With accessibility being more of a focus when building the new dorms and with the thoughts about what will become of the University Union's future, it's something that is important today. And this campus has to, just for the simple fact that if this campus doesn't do something to accommodate the special needs of disabled persons, other colleges and universities will.
And it's clear the university does have to make improvements for accessibility. With most of the campus, even getting around on crutches can be a hassle. And if money is an issue, that's really unfair. It shouldn't be an excuse or a copout to help people that need help.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), something that was not around 20 years ago, has helped everybody out tremendously. It gives people with disabilities a chance to be equals with their fellow human being, something that is important.
But it is sad for this nation when there had to be a special act passed by Congress to get anything done. The unfortunate fact remains that Congress shouldn't have to pass a law for people to look out for each other and make all of our lives a little easier. That's why at The Rocket we feel making accessibility more of an issue can only be of a benefit for all.
Is this campus really that accessible for people with disabilities?
This is something that is being addressed more and more with the changes being made on this campus. With the new dorms, plans for a new union and other improvements throughout the next few years, the idea that this campus is becoming more accessible is something that is vital in keeping enrollment at a steady level, while making this campus more welcoming to all.
Everybody has the right to easy access to public places. People complain when they don't have access to the Internet, their favorite movie or a phone when they want to. Why should people with disabilities expect anything less from a university that is supposed to supply an equal opportunity?
At least this university is doing something about it. With accessibility being more of a focus when building the new dorms and with the thoughts about what will become of the University Union's future, it's something that is important today. And this campus has to, just for the simple fact that if this campus doesn't do something to accommodate the special needs of disabled persons, other colleges and universities will.
And it's clear the university does have to make improvements for accessibility. With most of the campus, even getting around on crutches can be a hassle. And if money is an issue, that's really unfair. It shouldn't be an excuse or a copout to help people that need help.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), something that was not around 20 years ago, has helped everybody out tremendously. It gives people with disabilities a chance to be equals with their fellow human being, something that is important.
But it is sad for this nation when there had to be a special act passed by Congress to get anything done. The unfortunate fact remains that Congress shouldn't have to pass a law for people to look out for each other and make all of our lives a little easier. That's why at The Rocket we feel making accessibility more of an issue can only be of a benefit for all.
