2008 Woodie Awards
Renovations improve accessibility
Arron Hustead
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: News
Everyone on campus has to cope with what seems like constant construction, but for some, the renovations have even greater effects.
The University currently is in the process of remodeling Blanton, Nason and Brewer halls and the Student Union Building, finishing the remodeling of Missouri and Barnett halls, making repairs to Magruder Hall and planning renovations for the Pershing Building and Dobson, Ryle and Centennial halls.
Construction can cause problems for people with disabilities as they make their way across campus.
"The construction can affect people in multiple ways," said Vicky Wehner, coordinator of students with disabilities. "One, the construction vehicles being out and about on the sidewalks can cause some major problems for those trying to get around that area to their classes. Then there are noise issues that everyone has to deal with."
As buildings on campus are remodeled, the University is making changes to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require the University to retrofit older buildings, but as renovations occur, it does require the University to make buildings accessible in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Those guidelines include providing an appropriate number of handicap-accessible parking spaces and appropriate signage to direct people to accessible entrances and creating at least one handicap accessible route from the parking lot and one accessible route to other buildings. Also, objects can't protrude more than four inches into walkways, the ground needs to be stable, firm and slip-resistant, and buildings that are three or more stories tall are required to provide an elevator.
"As we remodel the dormitories, we are making all of the remodeled areas ADA-compliant or adaptable to someone with disabilities," Campus Planner Mark Schultz said.
Once the renovations in BNB are complete, the rooms will be easily adaptable for those with disabilities, Schultz said. BNB and Dobson halls also will have elevators installed.
The University currently is in the process of remodeling Blanton, Nason and Brewer halls and the Student Union Building, finishing the remodeling of Missouri and Barnett halls, making repairs to Magruder Hall and planning renovations for the Pershing Building and Dobson, Ryle and Centennial halls.
Construction can cause problems for people with disabilities as they make their way across campus.
"The construction can affect people in multiple ways," said Vicky Wehner, coordinator of students with disabilities. "One, the construction vehicles being out and about on the sidewalks can cause some major problems for those trying to get around that area to their classes. Then there are noise issues that everyone has to deal with."
As buildings on campus are remodeled, the University is making changes to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require the University to retrofit older buildings, but as renovations occur, it does require the University to make buildings accessible in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Those guidelines include providing an appropriate number of handicap-accessible parking spaces and appropriate signage to direct people to accessible entrances and creating at least one handicap accessible route from the parking lot and one accessible route to other buildings. Also, objects can't protrude more than four inches into walkways, the ground needs to be stable, firm and slip-resistant, and buildings that are three or more stories tall are required to provide an elevator.
"As we remodel the dormitories, we are making all of the remodeled areas ADA-compliant or adaptable to someone with disabilities," Campus Planner Mark Schultz said.
Once the renovations in BNB are complete, the rooms will be easily adaptable for those with disabilities, Schultz said. BNB and Dobson halls also will have elevators installed.
Be the first to comment on this story