Making Salem State University South Campus Accessible to All

1. Making Salem State University South Campus Accessible to All Eileen Leblanc, Kim Morrissey, Leah Nyberg, Michael Wright, Chris Varney OCT 622 Salem State University

3. Table of Contents • Introduction to the Service Learning Project • Independent Living Centers History & Purpose • Accessibility for All Project/ ADA • Salem State University South Campus Project • How the Survey was Conducted • Database Result • What do the Numbers Mean? • Recommendations • Reflections & Student Outcomes • References

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Independent Living Center History • Ed Roberts • University of California Berkeley • 1960’s first Independent Living Center • Merger of disabilities rights and independent living idea • Five states with centers for independent living

7. Independent Living Center Purpose • Offer peer support and role modeling • Entirely run & controlled by persons with disabilities • Disabled peer is better able than non-disabled person to provide support • Best expert on their needs • learn more initiative & take control over their lives.

8. Accessibility for All Project/ ADA • All 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)

9. ADA Guidelines • 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act Title III • The 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)

10. ADA Guidelines Continued • Remove architectural barriers when “readily achievable” • Make reasonable modifications in policies, practices and procedures to ensure equal access (ADA, 2011)

11. (Disability Services, 2012)

12. Salem State Accessibility Project • Purpose • Promote awareness and start a conversation • Problem solve to find practical solutions • Students/Faculty • Collaborate (Salem State, 2012)

13. How the Survey was Conducted • Trained volunteers • Survey based on • Mass. Accessibility Regulations (521 CMR) • ADA Accessibility Guidance(ADAAG) • Tools • Areas surveyed • Database • http://apabnsca.org/database/

14. South Campus Harrington Building Layout • Student Handicap Parking • Faculty Handicap Parking • Entrance Ramp • Bathroom • Elevator

15. Upper South Campus • Academic Building Vestibule • Wheelchair lift • Entrance Ramp • Toilet • Elevator • Handicap Parking

16. SURVEY RESULTS

17. 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.

18. Harrington Building Side Entrance • The side entrance has: • a handicapped ramp that has a proper slope grade • a proper landing • proper rails on both sides • button switch entry • Stairs with rails

19. Harrington Building Side Entrance

20. Harrington Building Side Entrance • When 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

21. 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

22. Harrington Building Back Entrance into Kitchen

23. 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

24. Harrington Building Elevator • The 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”.

25. Wheelchair Lift • Currently inoperable • Requires a key and prior authorization to operate

26. Vestibule into Academic Building • The door is too difficult to open

27. Academic Building Elevator • Newer construction allows for adequate accessibility in this elevator

28. Academic Building Outside Ramp • Ramp access is present, but condition and slope grade impacts safety

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

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

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

32. 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.

33. Suggested Solutions • Harrington Building Side entrance • Give students requiring handicapped parking an access card to the faculty lot • Create a short ramp from existing one into the faculty parking lot • Create 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

34. Suggested Solutions Continued • Harrington Building Elevator • Big ticket item- build a new elevator closer to entrance • Wheelchair lift • Repair lift • Install 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

35. Suggested Solutions Continued • Academic Building Vestibule • Add a wheelchair level door release for easier access into the building • Academic Building Elevator • Add a sensor so that the door will not close on someone or something in the doorway • Academic Building Outside Ramp • Fill the cracks and holes on the ramp as soon as possible. This is a safety hazard.

36. Suggested Solutions Continued • Harrington Building Handicap Restroom • Removing the table in the bathroom would allow for more room to maneuver. • Install second toilet paper dispenser below grab bar • Dining Area • Braille and picture menu for café • Magnifying glasses or large print menus

37. 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.php • Independent Living Center of North Shore and Cape Ann (ILCNSCA), INC. (2012). All people accessible business. [Brochure]. Salem, MA.

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