There have been a number of projects and construction on campus recently. Most notable of these is the years-long construction of the roundabout on 15th Street and Ivinson and the new residence halls. This has sparked many controversies and conversations, including issues surrounding accessibility. Due to these large-scale projects, many sidewalks and heavy foot traffic areas have been rerouted or blocked off entirely.
These obstructions not only lead to inconvenienced staff and students but also pose large concerns for those with mobility issues. Following the closure of 15th, a student reached out to UW operations with a complaint that the information was not communicated to the public in a timely enough manner. Associate Vice President of UW Operations Michael Samp said moving forward from the situation, the university would put a better focus on trying to communicate major changes better in advance.
Samp also claimed that in the upcoming days, the previously closed pedestrian route stretching between the current residence halls and main campus along the west side of the Honors Tobin house will finally be reopened. This highly frequented route being reestablished should hopefully allow for an easier commute across campus.
“There’s been some substantial construction delays due to some utility reroutes in that corridor, so [UW Operations is] excited about getting that open,” Samp said. “I think it’ll be a lot safer access for everyone, both the able-bodied and those with mobility impairments.”
Beyond the closures and reroutes, issues are likely to arise with the upcoming cold winter months being upon us. Samp ensures that the university snow removal efforts are increased in the heavily used areas across campus.
In terms of project planning and maintaining ADA compliance, the university has multiple engineers within UW operations to review projects and the facilities on campus. In order to maintain a level of compliance, the university must ensure that there is at least one accessible route to buildings on campus, regardless of the length of the route for an able-bodied individual compared to one with a mobility disability. One example of this minimal compliance on campus is the History Building. The building once had an elevator that has since been removed. The university has not done anything to increase the accessibility of the building and classrooms housed within it due to the fact that classes scheduled in the building could be rehoused in Coe Library just feet away.
In order for the university to ensure that campus is as accessible as possible students and faculty need to communicate with those able to create change. This involves reaching out to UW operations and Disability Support Services with any concerns or accommodation requests.