There are many instances in life for which we take things for granted. The ability to be mobile and gain access to desired areas isn’t something the majority of us think about. However, for those whose mobility depends on the use of a wheelchair, deciding how to get from point A to point B is a constant struggle. In a class assignment I was tasked with the challenge to travel all around the University of Nevada, Reno campus completing a myriad of errands along the way. In my travels I not only discovered how difficult and time-consuming travel by wheelchair is, but also how inaccessible much of the built environment really is. From cramped corridors to steep hills and heavy, non-automated doorways, traveling across campus was no easy feat. 1.7 miles and an hour and a half later marked the completion of my trip. I found it unfortunate that completing these seemingly simple tasks took so much time; far longer than it would have for someone who has the use of their legs. Sadly, I had never given this issue much thought before. As a society, we have a responsibility to make our shared built environment accessible for all. So what can we do? Design our facilities so that they may accommodate everyone’s needs. This means providing transportation, having more direct routes, open concepts indoors, with accessibility buttons, ramps and lifts where needed. Our facilities should be accessible to all and by making these changes we can begin the process of achieving it.
This is at the dining hall.
Myself in the Frandsen Humanities Building at The University of Nevada Reno.
Starbucks for the Wheeling assignment.
This is the at one where we wheeled to for our project.
This is the place where i started wheeling, the Fleischmann Agriculture Building.
This was the final picture of the challenge and it was taken in Lombardi Recreation Center.
The Yoga Classroom
Lombardi Recreation Center
ASUN- Here I am complaining to the ASUN about my aching back from trying to get around campus!