A basic premise in the philosophy of postsecondary education acknowledges that learning should be open to all those qualified and motivated to achieve higher learning. Individuals with disabilities are part of our diverse learner population.

Our goal for campus wide accessibility is 100% compliance with the law. More importantly, we hope to achieve the ‘spirit’ of the ADA, which is to achieve barrier-free learning. EKU supports the principles of universally accessible design, alternative communication formats, and the expression of disability community and pride. At all levels of the university, we promote equal opportunity, fair treatment, and the elimination of barriers for qualified individuals with qualifying disabilities.

EKU is committed to full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of university life. We seek to provide an inclusive environment that creates a variety of perspectives vital to an academic community.

To acknowledge EKU’s hard work and outstanding accomplishments, the ADA Awareness and Accessibility Committee would like to record the accomplishments of our community for the academic year 2007-2008.

EKU ADA Initiatives

Campus Improvements

• Alumni Coliseum ticket office is now accessible and has nearby accessible parking
• Multiple accessible (formerly referred to as “handicapped”) parking enhancements throughout campus
• Automatic door openers in Mattox
• Uneven walkways repaired to reduce trip hazards, wheelchair barriers, and low-vision cane safety.
• New wheelchair accessible shuttle buses
• Accessible path to the bleachers at the softball/baseball field venues at Model La

Events

• ADA national teleconference with Nina Coyer (ASL interpreted by Gay Woloschek)
• Statewide Web Accessibility Symposium (16 speakers and over one hundred participants)
• Keith Wann, Comedian on Deafness
• October Disability month events
• National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) presentation
• Disability Awareness Day
• Sessions on web accessibility and disability services
• Wheelchair obstacle and challenge course
• Deaf University
  

Services

• Transcription Lab formed to provide transcripts for the deaf and hard of hearing (videos, podcasts, and other files on websites and within Blackboard courses)
• New scanner was purchased for the disabilities office for high speed scanning of student textbooks and course materials
• Blackboard student web accessibility guide “Tips and Tricks for Students with Disabilities”

Works in Progress

• Sorenson Video Phones for use by individuals that use sign language.
• Specs and design complete for the lift installation in Keen Johnson and Fitzpatrick. Outside egress ramps have been poured. Quotes received for the doorway modifications and auto openers.
• Installing an accessible ramp to the outdoor Alumni pool
• Replacing “handicapped” parking signs with “accessible” parking signs
• Curb cuts added in Brockton and to the softball and baseball field venues at Model Lab
• Adding a ramp to the existing aluminum bleachers at Tom Samuel track
• Adding an accessible  ramp and front loading machine to the Brockton laundry
• Installation of a parking facility, accessible path and entrance to the Granny Richards One Room School near the Perkins Building
• Google EKU Accessibility Map

 A sincere thank you to everyone who helps EKU create a diverse culture.