Equity is one of the most important factors of any school environment. It is the assurance that all students, regardless of extraneous circumstances or background, are given the resources and opportunities needed to allow for an equal outcome to their peers. Stevens has a mission to make the experience of each student the best it can be, regardless of anything that could hinder them physically or otherwise. This facilitates the development of stronger relationships among students and a more inclusive environment. One way of doing this is making buildings on campus, both residential and educational, accessible for students with physical disabilities. These accommodations may go unnoticed by the majority of students who are not in need of them, but they help to provide an equitable experience for all students. Phillip Gehman, Director of Disability Services, speaks to discuss the innovations on campus that are designed to improve the lives of students with disabilities.
All buildings on campus are accessible, but that does not mean that all of them are equally as easy to get into. Malfunctions to existing accommodations and weather can also make life difficult for students in need of wheelchairs. For instance, Gehman explained “Burchard is the only academic building that requires a chairlift to get into its main entrance, and, like any mechanical device, the chairlift can malfunction.” The alternative route through the alley in the back of the building is not the easiest alternative. To get around this, the Gehman states that the office of disabilities is working with the office of registrar to “find alternative classrooms in buildings other than Buchard for students who use wheelchairs.” Campus community members are advised to submit a faculty work order in the event that there is a malfunction in accessibility equipment like elevators and automatic doors. Such things need to be addressed immediately to limit the damage this may do to those in need of wheelchair access. Weather is another unpredictable force that can impact the lives of students with disabilities, as winter weather and flooding rain can affect sidewalks and pathways, thus making it harder for students to navigate campus, oftentimes whether or not they use wheelchairs.
The Office of Disabilities works one-on-one with students who require accommodation in order to make their lives easier. According to Gehman, if a student wants to see if they qualify for accommodation, they must provide “medical documentation that states a diagnosis, its impact, and the accommodation/s that can help mitigate that impact on an academic, dining, or residential experience.” This also translates to how housing is set up for students at the beginning of the school year. “Students who have disabilities that impact their mobility can work with the Office of Disability Services to secure placement in a residential hall with appropriate housing accommodations to ensure they have equitable access.” They may even opt to move in earlier than the rest of the students in order to limit foot traffic and make their transition easier.
Stevens adheres to a number of guidelines when designing its accommodations for students in need. One set of guidelines comes from the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504. While Stevens tries to adhere as closely to these guidelines as possible, Gehman argues “the majority of our campus was built before 1990 (when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed), so Stevens is continuously working to modernize and make the campus more accessible.” Along with the guidelines mentioned, Stevens also takes into account the input of students using these accommodations to know what areas need improvement. Those with concerns are encouraged to contact the office of disabilities services at the email (disabilityservices@stevens.edu). Any emergencies that occur in relation to existing accommodations should be directed to campus police at the number (201-216-3748). These institutions and many more are responsible for ensuring equitable experiences for all students. As this institution grows, it is important to ensure that everyone feels safe and unhindered in their progress and Gehman exclaimed, “It’s exciting to see Stevens continue to make improvements to campus and increase accessibility around campus year after year!”
