Ride, Don't Walk

Carly approaching the pick-up station.

Alex using the copy machine in the library.

The elevator button was at an easy-to-use level.

Adequate turn space in the women's bathroom.

Knee space, allowing Alex to be able to roll up to the drinking fountain.

Spending time in a wheelchair doing this activity was very interesting.  I have never experienced the inability to move around as I please and I realized how many limitations come with wheelchairs.  Opening doors and going up hills were two scenarios that presented problems.  I cannot imagine how someone limited to a wheelchair would get around Pullman without a car to take them to different buildings because of all the hills. Most doors that we encountered had wheelchair access buttons that automatically opened the doors for us.  This was very helpful.  When we went to the carpenter library however they did not have the automated doors so it was more of a struggle.  When you are limited to a wheelchair you  have to create a voice for yourself so people are aware of your needs.  When Alex rolled herself down the aisle way of the library between books and desks some students had their backpacks on the ground so she could not get by.  In this case you cannot be shy and you have to ask people to move their belongings.  People are very willing to help those in need.  The designed environment in Pullman does an adequate job of helping people with special needs.  The last problem we ran into when in Carpenter was at the coffee station.  The counter high was about 4.5 feet and if you were trying to speak with someone to order from a wheelchair it would not be possible.  On the other hand, the pick up station was much lower and accessible.  They need to change the order station to reach a universal height to meet the needs or all people. The designed environment should be accessible to all regardless of the cost because it is only fair.  I think private residences are the only places where we should be able to design however we want, in public spaces having a universal design it is the respectful thing to do.