Slow progress on improving disabled accessibility
While it might not occur to most students, faculty and staff to consider how the spaces around Homewood affect someone with a physical disability, it is not an issue that can be ignored.
"Anyone at any point can become disabled, permanently or temporarily. The University should be cognizant of that and make accommodations for them," Villenas said.
According to Hayeslip, some of the recommendations from last year's class had been incorporated into the five-year Homewood infrastructure plan.
There are about 20 projects of various kinds undertaken each year aimed at increasing access to the facilities and services on Homewood.
Recently completed non-access related projects include the library's installation of a program that allows students with weak vision to enlarge the text of a book or newspaper.
Budgeting for projects to improve disability access to buildings comes out of the facilities budget under the five-year infrastructure plan.
Access projects are prioritized based on three criteria: better egress - getting people to and into the building - improving the ability to use common facilities like bathrooms and undertaking projects in more commonly used rooms and buildings.
Levering Hall, which was singled out for attention by Villenas's students, has yet to be targeted for any construction to improve access for those with physical disabilities.
This troubles Villenas, especially because the Center for Social Concern is located there.
"The fact that [the] Center for Social Concern is not accessible does not send a good message to disabled students who might want to come to Hopkins," Villenas said.
Sanders said the administration was aware of these concerns and that the logistics of a retrofit are currently being studied.
"We are looking at how to create better access to elevators in Levering, but it involves being able to secure the cafeteria area during off hours," Sanders said.
"Anyone at any point can become disabled, permanently or temporarily. The University should be cognizant of that and make accommodations for them," Villenas said.
According to Hayeslip, some of the recommendations from last year's class had been incorporated into the five-year Homewood infrastructure plan.
There are about 20 projects of various kinds undertaken each year aimed at increasing access to the facilities and services on Homewood.
Recently completed non-access related projects include the library's installation of a program that allows students with weak vision to enlarge the text of a book or newspaper.
Budgeting for projects to improve disability access to buildings comes out of the facilities budget under the five-year infrastructure plan.
Access projects are prioritized based on three criteria: better egress - getting people to and into the building - improving the ability to use common facilities like bathrooms and undertaking projects in more commonly used rooms and buildings.
Levering Hall, which was singled out for attention by Villenas's students, has yet to be targeted for any construction to improve access for those with physical disabilities.
This troubles Villenas, especially because the Center for Social Concern is located there.
"The fact that [the] Center for Social Concern is not accessible does not send a good message to disabled students who might want to come to Hopkins," Villenas said.
Sanders said the administration was aware of these concerns and that the logistics of a retrofit are currently being studied.
"We are looking at how to create better access to elevators in Levering, but it involves being able to secure the cafeteria area during off hours," Sanders said.
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