Making Salem State University

South Campus Accessible to All

Eileen Leblanc, Kim Morrissey, Leah Nyberg, Michael Wright, Chris Varney

OCT 622 Salem State University

Table of ContentsIntroduction to the Service Learning ProjectIndependent Living Centers History & PurposeAccessibility for All Project/ ADASalem State University South Campus ProjectHow the Survey was ConductedDatabase ResultWhat do the Numbers Mean?RecommendationsReflections & Student OutcomesReferences

Introduction to the Learning Center Project

The occupational therapy department at SSU is dedicated to promoting positive change through civic advancement and service learning involving students, the school, and the community in order to enhance equity, respect and human rights for others.

Introduction to the Learning Center Project

Occupational therapists are well-suited to identifying environmental barriers and recommending flexible options that improve inclusion and facilitate occupational performance for diverse populations.

Independent Living Center History

Ed RobertsUniversity of California Berkeley1960’s first Independent Living CenterMerger of disabilities rights and independent living ideaFive states with centers for independent living

Independent Living Center Purpose

Offer peer support and role modelingEntirely run & controlled by persons with disabilitiesDisabled peer is better able than non-disabled person to provide supportBest expert on their needslearn more initiative & take control over their lives.

Accessibility for All Project/ ADAAll People Accessible Business(APAB)Created by the Independent living Center of North Shore and Cape Ann, INC.“It is a service designed to guide businesses to become more accessible and available to a broader customer base and to commend community businesses that are accessible and inclusive”

(ILCNSCA, 2012)

ADA Guidelines 1990 Americans with

Disabilities Act Title IIIThe ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. It also applies to the United States Congress.

(ADA, 2011)

ADA Guidelines Continued

Remove architectural barriers when “readily achievable”Make reasonable modifications in policies, practices and procedures to ensure equal access

(ADA, 2011)

(Disability Services, 2012)

Salem State Accessibility Project

PurposePromote awareness

and start a conversation Problem solve to find

practical solutions

Students/FacultyCollaborate

(Salem State, 2012)

How the Survey was Conducted

Trained volunteersSurvey based on

Mass. Accessibility Regulations (521 CMR) ADA Accessibility Guidance(ADAAG)

ToolsAreas surveyedDatabase

http://apabnsca.org/database/

South Campus Harrington Building Layout

Student Handicap ParkingFaculty Handicap ParkingEntrance RampBathroomElevator

Upper South Campus

Academic Building VestibuleWheelchair liftEntrance RampToiletElevatorHandicap Parking

SURVEY RESULTS

Handicapped Parking Lower Campus

There are 6 handicapped parking spaces in the student parking lot in front of the Harrington building.These spots offer access aisles with diagonal stripes.

Harrington Building Side Entrance

The side entrance has: a handicapped ramp that has a proper slope grade a proper landingproper rails on both sidesbutton switch entry Stairs with rails

Harrington Building Side Entrance

Harrington Building Side EntranceWhen the faculty gate is down, students and visitors do not have access to the handicapped ramp.Ramp that accesses side entrance terminates into three steps

Harrington Building Back Parking lot Initially the back parking lot behind the kitchen was evaluated.The back parking lot is the only wheelchair accessible entrance when the faculty gate is locked There is no handicapped parking space in the back of the building

Harrington Building Back Entrance into Kitchen

Harrington Building Back Entrance into Kitchen

The landing at the top of the ramp is 3’x5’ which is smaller than the required 5’x5’.There is a railing on one side of the ramp only.The one railing is too low to the ramp and it does not extend 12 inches beyond the top of the ramp.Once inside the building the person must enter through the kitchen

Not designed as a handicap entrance

Harrington Building ElevatorThe doorway of the elevator is 31 ¼”. (the regulation minimum opening is 32“.)The inside of the elevator is 58 ½” x 42”.This is smaller than regulation size which is 54” x 68”.

Wheelchair LiftCurrently inoperableRequires a key and prior authorization to operate

Vestibule into Academic BuildingThe door is too difficult to open

Academic Building Elevator

Newer construction allows for adequate accessibility in this elevator

Academic Building Outside RampRamp access is present, but condition and slope grade impacts safety

Harrington Building Unisex RestroomThe bathroom was regulation in all areas except that the toilet paper dispenser is supposed to be mounted below the grab bar.

Lower Campus Unisex Restroom The bathroom does feature a tilted mirror that makes it easier to use if sitting in a wheel chair.

Dining AreaThe dining area is accessible to handicapped people offering open seating spaces with tables that are easily reached by wheelchair.

What do the Numbers Mean?Salem State had a final score of 73% for Lower South Campus and 85% for Upper South Campus

A score of 85% or better is considered acceptable under ADA guidelines.

As the photographs suggest, Salem State University has a lot of work to do to truly be an accessible and welcoming campus to all. We are proposing several feasible short and long term solutions.

Suggested SolutionsHarrington Building Side entrance

Give students requiring handicapped parking an access card to the faculty lotCreate a short ramp from existing one into the faculty parking lotCreate a cut-away in the curb and wooden guard rail so that the sidewalk through the faculty lot is accessible from the student handicapped parking spots.Shorten faculty gate so a wheelchair may pass, but a car may not

Suggested Solutions ContinuedHarrington Building Elevator

Big ticket item- build a new elevator closer to entrance

Wheelchair liftRepair liftInstall intercom/phone to call appropriate person(s) to work lift, both at lift coming into Academic Bldg and one at top of stairs going down to Harrington Bldg Sign on how to call for assistance

Suggested Solutions ContinuedAcademic Building Vestibule

Add a wheelchair level door release for easier access into the building

Academic Building ElevatorAdd a sensor so that the door will not close on someone or something in the doorway

Academic Building Outside RampFill the cracks and holes on the ramp as soon as possible. This is a safety hazard.

Suggested Solutions Continued

Harrington Building Handicap RestroomRemoving the table in the bathroom would allow for more room to maneuver.Install second toilet paper dispenser below grab bar

Dining AreaBraille and picture menu for café Magnifying glasses or large print menus

References

ADA Home Page, (2011). Guide to Disability Rights Laws. Retrieved on April 9, 2012

from:http://www.ada.gov/.Disability Services. (2012). Salem State University. Retrieved April 11, 2012, from http://www.salemstate.edu/3719.phpIndependent Living Center of North Shore and

Cape Ann (ILCNSCA), INC. (2012). All people accessible business. [Brochure]. Salem, MA.

References Continued

Salem State University, (2012). Retrieved on April 18, 2012 from: http:// www.salemstate.edu.