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| Peter Larkins | The Appalachian |
Sophomore Stacie D. Harris
navigates the snow Monday. She has been legally blind since
birth.
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by Elizabeth Ashford
Staff Writer
Trudging to class in a foot of snow and trying to find parking is
difficult for anyone on campus. But many have never thought of simpler,
everyday tasks that could be difficult to do, like trying to see
the crosswalk signal, getting a drink at the water fountain or trying
to wheel over ice and snow.
Stacie D. Harris is a sophomore communication disorders major at
Appalachian. She has also been legally blind since birth.
“I live in Newland, I cannot see the steps too well on the
outside of the dorm so I often trip,” Harris said.
Harris cannot see the prices in the cafeteria or what food is being
served, which is another problem.
“I am a picky eater so it is rather difficult. Mostly I don’t
eat in the cafeterias because of it,” Harris said.
Most students cross streets at crosswalks because of busy traffic,
but Harris can not see the crosswalk signal flashing for her to
go. Harris said she wants Appalachian to install audible crosswalk
signals on campus that also makes a sound when it is safe to cross.
“Appalachian has told me that I am not enough of a population
to worry about the audible crosswalk issue, so basically my life
doesn’t matter,” Harris said.
Professors and students seem to care about Harris’s disability
though.
“For the most part professors help me out. There are a few
that are reluctant to do extra things to help me out. Same for the
students, most don’t even realize I have a problem but when
they know they help me the best they can,” Harris said.
Harris said that it is hard getting problems fixed if you have to
deal directly with the administration.
“Appalachian definitely needs to realize that the needs of
one person is good enough to fix a problem,” Harris said.
Hunter B. Palmer is a sophomore political science major who has
been in a wheelchair for most of his life because of cerebral palsy.
Palmer lives in Newland Hall in a private room and has devices to
help him live a normal life.
Appalachian provided him with a private bathroom, and, with the
help of his insurance company, had a shower chair put in for when
he takes showers. “I have a lift that will transfer me from
this chair to that [shower] chair,” Palmer said.
Palmer said that Appalachian provides him with a “garage door
opener” to open his room’s door, as well as his own
fire escape ramp and door, because the men’s hall is on the
second floor and he can not use the elevator during a fire drill.
Palmer has had a few problems living here, like trying to use the
water fountains on campus.
“The water fountains, from what I have observed, are of legal
height,” Palmer said. But Palmer’s motor skill problems
make it difficult to get a drink of water.
“It’s difficult to position the wheelchair to be able
to get under them and also then you have to configure a way to push
the button,” Palmer said.
Doors are another problem. Palmer said that many of the older buildings
do not have automatic doors. He said it would be nice if automated
ones could be installed or if leverage bars could be put on, which
makes them easier to open.
Overall, Palmer said that he has never felt ostracized because of
his disability and has been treated well by the students, faculty
and staff of Appalachian.
Caroline R. Landrum is a junior psychology major and has been in
a wheelchair for almost 19 years.
Landrum lives off campus and getting a parking place is difficult
for her.
“The hills I expected. The people hanging up grandma’s
handicapped plaque and running into the building I didn’t
expect,” Landrum said.
Snow-covered potholes on campus are another problem for her.
“I’ve run in potholes covered by snow and ice and nearly
flipped over backwards,” Landrum said. Landrum has also slid
down hills in slush and ice, nearly hitting buildings.
“I have had students go completely out of their way to open
doors for me and then act as if I did them a favor. App9alachian]
students are the very best.” Landrum said.
Landrum was promised that problems would be fixed on campus.
“I was promised a lot would be done but only one project was
completed and there were a few bushes trimmed off one sidewalk,”
Landrum said.
Landrum said the administration should start caring about the needs
of disabled students.
“Then and only then will Appalachian State be what every university
should be, a place where anyone who truly wants to learn can do
so without fighting unnecessary fights just to get an education,”
Landrum said.
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