Editor,
Though it is true that Zimmerman Library is open and running, it is also the case that much of the available services for students with disabilities have been negatively affected by the renovation.
Over half of the Alice Clark Room was taken during the renovation of the library. The library administration and Accessibility Services claimed, as the renovation was going on, that Alice Clark was being renovated as a result of the fire. The space in Alice Clark was taken to provide the director of the library with a new office.
Alice Clark was used by students with disabilities for decades. It was an effective and fully accessible study area that afforded students with disabilities the opportunity to compete with their nondisabled peers at UNM.
At this point, we need our study area moved to an area of similar size at the library and a space that is not adjacent to the library director's office.
The issue was examined by the Governor's Commission on Disability, New Mexico Protection and Advocacy System, Zimmerman Library administrative staff, UNM Accessibility Services and the Associated Students for Empowerment.
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Two very small rooms were added that in no way replace the space for the director's office.
In fact, at this meeting, there was a discussion to move Alice Clark Room to an appropriate, accessible space on the first floor in Zimmerman Library. But no action was taken to accomplish this.
The library staff is claiming that UNM has a letter from the Governor's Commission on Disability that states that the Alice Clark facility is in full compliance with the ADA and is suitable in its current configuration as a study space for students with disabilities.
Neither I nor New Mexico Protection and Advocacy System have seen this letter. Alice Clark is insufficient in its present form for use as a study area by students with disabilities.
While the library may serve as a place for community and for students to come and congregate, it does not serve as a place for students with disabilities to study.
Students with disabilities need the Alice Clark Room moved and, in fact, they need a great deal more to be real members of a diverse community of learning at UNM.
Frank Martin
UNM student
