“Accessibility works best not just for students in wheelchairs, but for everyone.”
At Emporia State, one can’t really ignore the many handicap accessible buttons on every door or the many ramps that lead to those doors. There are so common that they’ve almost become taken for granted
“Realistically, we couldn’t have it a whole lot better,” said Ace Finch, sophomore interdisciplinary studies major. “I can open any door on my own, thanks to the automatic door openers, and anything that I can’t do, there’s always somebody there that’s willing to help.”
It’s not just the entrances and exits to campus buildings that are built for accessibility, but the classrooms as well. Almost every room provides desks made for students in wheelchairs, which Finch said is “really helpful.”
“We have a long history of accessibility and of making our programs and services accessible to individuals with disabilities,” said Shanti Ramcharan, director of disability services. “Just like everything else at (ESU), it’s very focused on student success.”
For Adam Burnett, former ESU student, the large level of accessibility on campus was a big factor when it came to choosing a university to attend.
“Anytime you hear a rumor like that, it’s going to draw your attention, especially being new to a disability like I was,” Burnett said.
The handicap accessibility is not mentioned in the ESU marketing materials.
“I think it’d be to the college’s advantage to brag a bit about the accessibility it offers,” Burnett said. “Not just the services, but the attitudes, the staff, of being welcoming here on campus.”
Abbey Hope, sophomore psychology major said that accessibility affected everyone.
“Accessibility works best not just for students in wheelchairs, but for everyone,” Hope said.
Accessibility for all students is an important part of all the universities programs Ramcharan said.
“That willingness to work with students individually and work on their strengths is pervasive throughout the university,” Ramcharan said. “And that benefits all students, not only our students with disabilities.”
