Students with disabilities discuss challenges

Students with disabilities held a panel discussion October 30 to discuss their challenges and successes on campus.

Senior Scott Lacey said he lost his vision four years ago. He said he appreciates being able to take the Campus Connector, but said sometimes in the winter he can’t hear his cane on the sidewalks because of the snow.

Lacey was joined by three other students at the event, which was held in the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons and highlighted October as Disabilities Awareness Month.

Stephanie Deible, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, said administrators are very open to suggestions about accessibility. “I enjoy the openness of administration to hear me out and listen to ways to improve the campus,” she said.

Deible added that while her Laker Village apartment can accommodate her wheelchair, the university should consider more upper-class accessible housing.

Elyse Garett has cerebral palsy and sometimes uses crutches. She said doors without automatic buttons are sometimes challenging.

All students agreed Grand Valley was more accessible than other campuses they have visited.