The New Hampshire Challenge

Volume 16, Issue 3

Spring 2004

published quarterly by: The New Hampshire Challenge, Inc. P.O. Box 579, Dover, NH 03821-0579


	Home

	In this Issue

Top Stories Other Stories Opinion

	Archives

	Area Agencies

	Where to Find Help

	Upcoming Events

	About Us

Contact Us FAQ Site Map

In This Issue
Top Stories

Rebecca Shea, a student at UNH, has been advocating for more accessibility in Holloway Commons since it opened. These are her comments on the changes made since December:

Rebecca Shea avoids using the third floor area of the dining hall because of the difficulties with access. Photo: E.G. Stone

Overall, it is improving, finally, but slowly.

They have done some movement of tables, though that is still an issue. I should note that because the tables aren't fixed, the limited aisle space is not outside of ADA requirements.

They have put cups and silverware where I can reach them. They seem to be better about watching the tables, but that could be because they now have a policy that if someone in a wheelchair comes in they go around and check the tables.

They put up a monitor outside, but it cycles kind of slowly, which means almost no one bothers with it. They did put up tags, but they are not easy to see unless you are in line. I am pretty sure that they are in at least size 18 type.

They put buttons on the exit door and the doors between Holloway and the MUB. The elevator is still an issue. The lift and outdoor buttons still break fairly frequently, particularly when it rains. They have not put up signage instructing on use of the lift, though it has gotten a little more reliable. I was also informed that it occasionally requires up to 2 minutes for the lift to begin moving, which has probably accounted for several of the occasions where I believed it was broken. Still, waiting 2 minutes to discover if a lift is working is a waste of time.

The major problem is still the top floor. I have essentially decided not to use it, as it simply isn't worth the trouble, but that doesn't mean that I am thrilled about the problem.

It seems to me that the design follows the letter of the law far more than the spirit of the law. As noted, it is almost always legal, but that doesn't mean that it is easy.

For a brand new building to have an entire floor not independently accessible to people who cannot climb a flight of stairs is inexcusable. Holloway Commons is certainly eye candy but less than inviting to the physically disabled. Maybe the next time UNH builds a multi-million dollar facility someone will reach out to the disabled community to address accessibility issues before it is completed.

To Top