Tests are common for students, but some are not nearly as tough as those faced by a person with a disability. Students in wheelchairs are tested every day just to navigate around campus. An article posted on the Daily Revelle talks about buildings on university campuses that are not ADA compliant.
The ADA was passed by Congress in 1990 as a way “to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities.”
Students with a disability who require a wheelchair must often take extra time to find an entrance to a building that is handicap accessible. Furthermore, many buildings have amenities that are too small for most wheelchair models in use today.
Ramps for buildings that are not compliant with the ADA can often be dangerous. Students can sustain an injury if their wheelchair tips because ramps do not need guidelines in the ADA. The guidelines for ADA compliance were updated in 2010 to address many concerns.
Buildings constructed after 1990 are required to meet the standards of the ADA. If a building was constructed prior to 1990, it needs to be brought up to code. The problem faced by many universities, however, is a lack of funding from their state. However, a provision in the ADA allows universities to move classes to rooms that are accessible.
Another problem faced by universities is that other building codes need to be met when renovating older buildings. This includes plumbing, electricity and disability access, which often means the cost of renovating an older building is more than having a new one constructed to meet current codes.
New students to a university campus with a disability often need to arrive a week early to get an idea of the layout and any obstacles. This includes building entrances, the bathrooms and any elevators. One of the biggest issues for individuals in wheelchairs is the turning space that is required. This means the use of a bathroom may be too difficult because the stalls are too small.
Looking for more information on ADA compliance, contact us here. We’re here to help.