Breaking the Law!

As I was reading Title II of the ADA it claims that all people with disabilities should have equal access to public education. Incorporated into this is the fact the building has to be accessible to these students. In previous classes within this program I was instructed to take measurements of my classroom and the areas around my school. At that time the school was not accessible to students in wheelchairs and/or on crutches. There is only one elevator in the entire school and it may not be the easiest route for students to take. This could cause the students to be late to class and detracting from their education. The classroom itself is similarly not available to the same students. The desks provided by the school do not allow enough room for students in a wheelchair to fit in between them, no matter what configuration they are put in.

These measurements were taken prior to construction performed on the school’s entrance. While the above problems still exist, the entrance has become much more accessible to students. Originally there was maybe an 8-9 foot clearance between two sets of doors. It would make moving difficult for someone using assistance to move around. Now there is approximately 15-18 feet clearance between the doors. Other improvements have been made, including a new foyer and main office which is much bigger and includes automatic doors (the prior didn’t).