Wheelchair friendly?
Although students and faculty at the University of Indianapolis recognize that the university works hard to accommodate students with physical disabilities, some feel that in certain areas it comes up short.
“I don’t think that whoever built the ramps on campus actually got in a wheelchair and tested them out,” said sophomore Cody Robbins, who has osteogenisis imperfecta. “Some of them are really steep.”
Debbie Spinney, executive director of student development, oversees all students with learning and physical disabilities. Spinney said that because the university is small, it has the ability to individualize the accommodations and continually improve the campus.
“We have more students with disabilities than ever before,” Spinney said. “We have plans to expand and add accommodations for them.”
Spinney did not, however, have a projected time frame for when these renovations will begin taking place.
Some students explained the difficulties they face on campus.
Freshman Mark Nania, who has cerebral palsy, said that in areas that the university has made accommodations, they are doing a great job. However, in areas they are lacking, it makes things extremely difficult.
“I wish that the ramps were more clearly marked,” Nania said. “Last semester I broke my foot because I didn’t realize there wasn’t a ramp outside of Streets.”
Nania loves attending college at UIndy and described students and faculty as incredibly willing to help, but he also acknowledged the fact that life can be difficult when he doesn’t have the things he needs.
Robbins said that the lack of automatic doors at Ruth Lilly Fitness Center, Krannert Memorial Library and the door of Schwitzer Student Center that faces Smith Mall is difficult for him.
“As a sports management major, I spend a lot of time in Ruth Lilly. I wish it had an automatic door,” Robbins said.
To comply with legal requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act, UIndy must provide reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of a person with a disability.
“All of our buildings meet the legal requirements, but, as with anything, there is always room for improvement,” Spinney said.
Both Nania and Robbins said they have enjoyed their experience at UIndy thus far.
“There are some definite inconveniences, but overall I would recommend this campus to anyone in a wheelchair,” Robbins said.
