Lesli Marchese, Campus Carrier Deputy News Editor

Physically disabled students at Berry can face problems when it comes to accessibility at the Ford Complex.

As stated in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, both private and government-funded postsecondary colleges and universities are required to make their programs accessible for students with disabilities.

Berry has complied with these acts and provides housing and program accessibility for students with disabilities and the college also trains faculty members on disability requirements.

Although much of campus is ADA compliant, it can still be inconvenient for students who work or wish to attend social events at Ford.

The Ford Complex buildings were built between 1925 and 1931, before handicap access was required in buildings.

According to the ADA, “buildings constructed or altered after June 3, 1977, must comply with the relevant accessibility code … buildings constructed before the 1977 date need not be made accessible if the college or school can ensure students with disabilities enjoy the full range of its programs.”

Berry provides full accommodations for students who have documented disabilities, including automatic preference for the Morgan and Deerfield residence halls, which are ADA compliant for students with physical disabilities.  

“Typically, if someone has something severe enough that they need special housing, they aren’t put at Ford,” senior Madison Hill, a Resident Assistant at Ford, said.

 Although students are fully accommodated at Berry, the lack of accessibility at Ford can still be inconvenient for students with disabilities.

“I was a little disappointed last year,” sophomore Suleima Jacob said. “It would have been nice to be able to go there and visit my friends … most (freshman) girls live at Ford.”

Students who enter Berry and have a documented disability are accommodated. However, students who are injured while living at Ford have little leeway for housing options. One room on the first floor of West Mary hall is ADA approved, which Residence Life uses to house students with temporary needs.

“The only reason we have one room here is in case somebody breaks their leg, or sprains their back or has a reason they need to live on the first floor,” Hill said.

Hill related an experience where a student living at Ford was injured and had to have crutches. The student was moved to the apartment room on the first floor. Hill said she believes that the class busses didn’t pick up and drop off at Ford often enough.

“Getting down to main campus from up here (without a car) was hard,” Hill said. “It was a big deal for her to get down to class.”

According to Mark Hopkins, director of the physical plant, Ford Auditorium and other buildings are currently in design with an architect for renovations and additions, and are works in progress.

Information for students with disabilities and accommodation and ADA compliance at Berry can be found on their website.