After the article “Accepted But Not Assisted” written by news editor Christina Urban and staff writer Sam Carliner was published by The Montclarion last week, many students agree that those who are in need of accommodations should not have to struggle and go out of their way to navigate Montclair State University.
Most of the buildings on campus have automatic doors, but students with disabilities still struggle to get inside.
Rebecca Serviss | The Montclarion Photo credit: Rebecca Serviss
Freshman business management major Christal Torres recently witnessed a student in a wheelchair struggling to get to class.
“I just felt horrible,” Torres said.” How come you’re paying your tuition just like the rest of us, but there’s no wheelchair accessibility for you to get into your classroom?”
Torres added that since the school continues to renovate its buildings, there should be no problem making classrooms more accessible for students in wheelchairs who need a little extra room to get through doorways.
“There should be access for [disabled students] if [the university] is letting them into [the] school and expecting them to pay the same tuition as everyone else,” Torres said.
Kevin Regan, a sophomore exercise science major, believes that there should be more funding toward making Montclair State more accessible. He thinks simple modifications like repaving uneven walkways for better wheelchair access can make a big difference.
Freshman Shawn Meneghin (left) and sophomore Kevin Regan (right) pose in the Student Center quad.
Rebecca Serviss | The Montclarion Photo credit: Rebecca Serviss
Others agree that the needs of students with disabilities are still being pushed aside.
Shawn Meneghin, a freshman justice studies major, is concerned that no one is overseeing the problem.
“Even though they have a disability, it doesn’t mean that they are any different,” Meneghin said. “They should be accommodated [including being] able to get to class safely and making sure there are no hazards for them.”
Meneghin added that students with disabilities should be able to get the same learning experience as able-bodied students.
