Accessibility is often a topic that is not talked about until it is questioned. For many of us, accessibility is taken for granted; we don’t think twice about opening a door, walking up a flight of stairs or reading a whiteboard. But for some, these seemingly mundane tasks pose obstacles that must be carefully and thoughtfully addressed. For those with disabilities, going to college can provide a whole host of new challenges and struggles, beyond just being in a new place.
In this week’s Mirror, we shed light on many issues related to accessibility. We look at Dartmouth’s architecture and whether it is conducive for those with physical disabilities or injuries. We examine the College’s ability to address the needs of Kosher students and students seeking mental health services. We also consider the efficacy of Dartmouth’s Student Accessibility Services and how groups on campus provide students with opportunities to access less mainstream careers.
The term “All Access” carries meaning beyond just being a popular CBS special. Equal opportunity rests on the need for equal access. We, at Dartmouth and beyond, should consider our impact on improving accessibility for all and be mindful of the difficulties others may face. As businesswoman and advocate Debra Ruh so pointedly said, “Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone’s potential.”
