Campus physical survey to review handicap accessibility
By Lee Anne Quattrucci
Old Gold and Black Reporter

> February 16, 2001

Last week, the university began an extensive physical survey of its undergraduate campus as part of a long-term project to provide individuals with disabilities equal access to academic, social and recreational activities. The survey is the initial step made by the university in working toward renovating campus facilities to bring them into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA mandates that students with disabilities be afforded equal access to facilities as well as equal opportunity of activities at the university.

Connie Carson, the director of Residence Life and Housing, and Van Westervelt, the director of the learning assistance center, are co-chairs of the American with Disabilities Act Task Force.

“The purpose of the survey is to give us comprehensive information about how well our facilities and pathways between buildings comply with the American Disabilities Act (1990) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities,” Westervelt said. “This is a prerequisite step to understanding how accessible our programs at Wake Forest are to individuals with disabilities (mobility, vision and hearing).”

The survey began Feb. 5, with the first surveys taken in Reynolda Hall and Benson University Center.

The university has contracted an architectural firm to inspect campus facilities throughout the next four to six months. When the survey is completed, the university will develop an extensive plan for making necessary physical changes to campus facilities.

According to Carson, two-person teams will continue to visit buildings across campus during the survey period.

These survey team members will carry identification at all times. There will also be efforts made to assure that distractions are kept to an absolute minimum.

“These teams will be conducting various measurements, observing the layout of rooms, and reviewing how accessible campus areas are to the disabled,” Carson said.

Usually, advance notice will be given to buildings where surveys are scheduled. The notice will be made not only to administrative and academic buildings, but also to those living in campus residences.

Junior Urmi Engineer said, “I perceive the Wake Forest campus as disability friendly.” In fact, the university has no records of formal complaints about accessibility by students with disabilities.

Other students cite a lack of handicap ramps as obstacles for students in wheelchairs. “If you want to get from south campus to the Quad, or vice versa, you have to climb stairs at some point. I couldn’t imagine getting around here in a wheelchair at all,” freshman Lee Handford said.

Westervelt said that the university administration has been very supportive so far. “I feel the task force is trying to be proactive in planning for a wider range of students with disabilities who may choose to attend the university in the future. The committee members have been energetic and forward thinking,” he said.