From heavy doors to small cubicles, the space in Winthrop University’s Student Publications Office is difficult to navigate for students with accessibility needs.
I have spent almost every day of my sophomore year thus far in the Student Publications office. I can choose from many desktops to work on assignments, and the serene environment has become a haven for myself and my other friends, some of which are on staff at the student newspaper.
Though I did not join the Roddey McMillan Record (RMR) until a few weeks ago, I was convinced to apply by colleagues who saw my passion for writing and knew that I had stories to tell.
I’ve always enjoyed the freedom that came with putting words on a page, but I have quickly come to learn that the publications office environment does not offer me that same independence. Both doors to the office are always locked, creating an exclusive and secretive atmosphere even among the students who regularly use the space.
The doors are also heavy and difficult to get my wheelchair through alone, especially with no available push button for assistance.
“I have asked several people about the chance to get automatic doors; however, most have told me that there wasn’t an option of doing so,” Editor-In-Chief of the RMR, Josie Pope, said.
There are still ongoing talks about the potential options that the people in charge of the Student Publications office can take to better accommodate disabled individuals. Pope went on to say “The only option that we ha
Bryn Smyth, Editor-In-Chief of The Johnsonian, has noticed similar issues, saying “Employees must go through the back door, which is a storage-closet-looking door only accessible from outdoors in front of the Richardson Ballroom foyer. For a differently-abled person, it must have been very difficult to use the back door in the recent winter storms we’ve had because the breezeway has been very icy.”
Image Courtesy of Jack Shelton