Spring Break
Editorial: No more apathy
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Editorial/Opinion
11/28/08 - Too many people associate the University of Rhode Island with one word.
Apathy.
Don't care about the election, don't care about rising tuition costs and don't care about "Thinking Big."
But, after Student Senate recognized it last week, one group is seeking to change the image of the student population. The Students For a More Accessible Campus is hoping for more accessibility for those with disabilities, whether that means stricter policies in classes for those with a learning disability or a ramp on the side of Taft Hall for those with a physical handicap.
Either way, this group can only bring about good things on this campus for the 700 registered students with a disability, and the others that haven't registered just yet.
Those who have not registered are encouraged to take advantage of the different services URI offers.
Accessibility on campus is an ongoing problem that is only hindered by lack of funds in the university and lack of awareness for those that aren't affected by an absence of a sidewalk dip or extra handicapped parking spot.
And on another level, outside of the students, come parents, grandparents or others who might need these necessities people sometimes forget.
Though Rhode Island might be a small state, its rankings in terms of disabilities show the urgent need for a more accessible state, let alone just the university campus.
According to a 2007 Census, Rhode Island is ranked 20 on a list of percentages of people 21 to 64-years-old with a disability, according to each state. According to the survey, 13.9 percent of that population is disabled. For the 5 to 20-year-old population, Rhode Island ranks even higher: No. 8, with 8.1.
Previous reports from the Cigar have stated the university would need about $6 million to bring the campus up to speed in terms of its accessibility. In today's economic times, it's easy to see things fall to the wayside, and with inflation, that number will only increase.
Even though SFAMAC has the right agenda, it takes money to make things happen, and bake sales and T-shirts will take awhile to raise that kind of dough.
The last time a group like SFAMAC - Students for Accessibility - was formed, current SFAMAC president Krista Simeone said it quickly disbanded.
Let's hope that SFAMAC has some plans for the future that will change the face of the university and give the group some longevity. And if you're looking for something to get involved in on campus, it can't hurt to join their cause.
Apathy.
Don't care about the election, don't care about rising tuition costs and don't care about "Thinking Big."
But, after Student Senate recognized it last week, one group is seeking to change the image of the student population. The Students For a More Accessible Campus is hoping for more accessibility for those with disabilities, whether that means stricter policies in classes for those with a learning disability or a ramp on the side of Taft Hall for those with a physical handicap.
Either way, this group can only bring about good things on this campus for the 700 registered students with a disability, and the others that haven't registered just yet.
Those who have not registered are encouraged to take advantage of the different services URI offers.
Accessibility on campus is an ongoing problem that is only hindered by lack of funds in the university and lack of awareness for those that aren't affected by an absence of a sidewalk dip or extra handicapped parking spot.
And on another level, outside of the students, come parents, grandparents or others who might need these necessities people sometimes forget.
Though Rhode Island might be a small state, its rankings in terms of disabilities show the urgent need for a more accessible state, let alone just the university campus.
According to a 2007 Census, Rhode Island is ranked 20 on a list of percentages of people 21 to 64-years-old with a disability, according to each state. According to the survey, 13.9 percent of that population is disabled. For the 5 to 20-year-old population, Rhode Island ranks even higher: No. 8, with 8.1.
Previous reports from the Cigar have stated the university would need about $6 million to bring the campus up to speed in terms of its accessibility. In today's economic times, it's easy to see things fall to the wayside, and with inflation, that number will only increase.
Even though SFAMAC has the right agenda, it takes money to make things happen, and bake sales and T-shirts will take awhile to raise that kind of dough.
The last time a group like SFAMAC - Students for Accessibility - was formed, current SFAMAC president Krista Simeone said it quickly disbanded.
Let's hope that SFAMAC has some plans for the future that will change the face of the university and give the group some longevity. And if you're looking for something to get involved in on campus, it can't hurt to join their cause.
