Editor,
I would like to express my gratitude for the help that I have been given from students and staff members at the University.
I broke my ankle and bruised the other foot and am confined to a wheelchair until June 21st. (I hope I will get out of the cast by then.)
I feel for the students, staff, faculty or visitors that are in a standard wheelchair as I am.
I've had a lot of problems getting around the University in a non-motorized wheelchair. I needed something from the bookstore; it is uphill almost all the way (it may not seem it to you walking.) When I tried to get up the ramp from the bookstore, I was unable to do that. Also, when I crossed the street from the bookstore, I was unable to get up the other side. I was stuck in the road. Several places on the University are the same, including the Student Services Center. I do hope someone will look at the problem and take care of it. I was very lucky as students and staff have been very nice in helping me when they could.
I'm sure people get very independent and don't want help, and by right they shouldn't have to ask. The University should be set up so it's very comfortable for all.
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Another big problem I found was that most wheelchair access is further away from the buildings and the steps for people who can walk is right in front. Go figure, something wrong with that picture. Another issue is vehicles parked on the sidewalks so I couldn't get up. Everyday this week a truck has been parked in front of Scholes Hall right on the ramp by the meters so we can't get up.
I won't be in my wheelchair very long, but I have come to realize that for the people who will be in a wheelchair for life, this is unacceptable. Maybe they should offer a mandatory class for everyone to take to see just how hard it is and how lucky they are not to be put in that position. Maybe they will be a little more kind and helpful. This is just my opinion, and you can bet on me helping whenever it's needed.
Thank you all that did help me, I've had two staff members in Scholes Hall that actually took me all the way to my office. Thanks to them. They know who they are.
Marilyn L. Tolson
Administrative Assistant II
Institutional Research
