Spring Break
Wheelchair accessibility frustrating for students
Kaylin Bowers
Issue date: 11/11/03 Section: Campus News
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Gardner-Webb University's campus is accessible to students in wheelchairs, but the various routes of accessibility have proven to not always be convenient. GWU has made the campus accessible to those who require the aid of a wheelchair or scooter, but sometimes it is difficult for the students to get to the ramp or elevator.
With the exception of Webb, Withrow and residence halls, all buildings on campus are accessible past the first floor. Withrow and Webb Hall have ramps, but no elevators allowing students with wheelchair needs to access the upper level floors.
Students who are wheelchair bound are unable to take science courses because labs are held on the second floor, said Jacob Conley, sophomore. Instead, he must wait until the new building is finished until he can take his courses. Other buildings are accessible, but are very inconvenient.
"It is a little frustrating sometimes," said Megan Worrell, freshman. "It's an adventure to get to class daily because I'm not sure where I will end up or how to get there."
Worrell uses a scooter to get around campus because she is still recovering from an accident that occurred a year ago. Worrell and Conley have both had to find different routes to class as a result of coming across a few steps in the sidewalk.
Both students also face the possibility of having problems with elevators in buildings, such as the ones in Lindsay and Noel. Conley and Worrell both agree that getting to class on third floor Noel or Elliot is difficult.
"Sometimes the elevator takes awhile or the door doesn't shut properly," said Conley.
Last year, one of Conley's classes had to move downstairs because the elevator was shut down for maintenance.
Worrell suggested some improvements such as automatic doors, and Conley suggested better placement of elevators.
"For example, Dover Chapel has a water fountain almost directly in front of the door and it's difficult to maneuver around," said Conley. "It is hard not to run into it."
With the exception of Webb, Withrow and residence halls, all buildings on campus are accessible past the first floor. Withrow and Webb Hall have ramps, but no elevators allowing students with wheelchair needs to access the upper level floors.
Students who are wheelchair bound are unable to take science courses because labs are held on the second floor, said Jacob Conley, sophomore. Instead, he must wait until the new building is finished until he can take his courses. Other buildings are accessible, but are very inconvenient.
"It is a little frustrating sometimes," said Megan Worrell, freshman. "It's an adventure to get to class daily because I'm not sure where I will end up or how to get there."
Worrell uses a scooter to get around campus because she is still recovering from an accident that occurred a year ago. Worrell and Conley have both had to find different routes to class as a result of coming across a few steps in the sidewalk.
Both students also face the possibility of having problems with elevators in buildings, such as the ones in Lindsay and Noel. Conley and Worrell both agree that getting to class on third floor Noel or Elliot is difficult.
"Sometimes the elevator takes awhile or the door doesn't shut properly," said Conley.
Last year, one of Conley's classes had to move downstairs because the elevator was shut down for maintenance.
Worrell suggested some improvements such as automatic doors, and Conley suggested better placement of elevators.
"For example, Dover Chapel has a water fountain almost directly in front of the door and it's difficult to maneuver around," said Conley. "It is hard not to run into it."