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Luther: How handicap accessible is it?

Date 10/6/2005 12:00 AM | Topic: Features

In the midst of the seasons' serene transition, Luther's bluff-side location is viewed as a wonderful asset to the college's beauty. However, once all of the leaves have fallen and the inevitable Iowa winter sets in, the joy of traveling around campus often becomes a memory. The challenges of these winter months are only an addition to the obstacles that permanently and temporarily handicapped students at Luther face on a daily basis.

"I suspect for some students with particular physical challenges, Luther's campus may prove to be a bit difficult at times," said Jon Lund, vice president of admissions. "Certainly our location on a bluff presents some challenges that may not be encountered by a student attending a campus that's considerably more flat."

The walk up from the Regents Center can be a difficult climb for anyone. Some students, whether wheelchair bound or on crutches, often find alternate courses to avoid such difficulties.

Sophomore Dan Klavitter ('08) makes his way to Regents by using an elevator in Farwell, then crossing the track to the building.

In addition to Luther's geography, many of its older buildings present difficulties.


Some have no elevators, such as Ylvisaker Hall. Some may have elevators whose locations are notably inconvenient - when coming from upper campus, the elevators in Dieseth and Miller are positioned after a set of stairs.

Some entrances do not have automatic doors; bathrooms are not always well located, as is with the library's handicapped accessible bathrooms on the bottom floor; and the general layout of automatic doors, stairs, elevators, and buildings can prove to be a hassle.

Well aware of these drawbacks, the administration makes sure that all student needs will be met to the best of the school's abilities. Close communication and interaction is key in ensuring that everything is being done to help. School officials meet with students who have physical handicaps to determine what specific accommodations can be made for the students and their individual situation.

Prospective students who are handicapped are encouraged to visit the campus and decide for themselves whether or not Luther is a good place for them to be.

Some students find the challenge too great, and others have no concerns at all. Klavitter saw no discouragement at all in Luther's inaccessibility when considering potential colleges, and he has no problems maneuvering a wheel chair around campus now.

The uncontrollable winter weather provides one of the biggest challenges, with ice-covered sidewalks and snowy conditions.

"[Facilities Services has a] real commitment to helping out as much as possible," said Bob Felde of Residence Life. Additionally, campus security can be called at any time to provide transportation to and from classes, and handicap stickers are also issued to those who are able to drive to class.

Megan Santjer ('06) faced an athletic injury early in the year that required the temporary use of crutches. She confronted many frustrations during this period, primarily with getting to classes on time.

Carrying a tray in the cafeteria became a problem, as did the unavailability of security officers when trying to get to class, resulting in three parking tickets. This experience helped her to realize the inconvenience that other temporarily and permanently handicapped students must deal with.

"What also was frustrating was that only certain doors are handicapped accessible, and often they were not convenient to go to," said Santjer. " Who wants to crutch around to the other side of a building to use a door with no stairs?"

There are no plans for major changes to Luther's older buildings in the immediate future. The modifications of inaccessible areas are either made along with the renovations of buildings or when most needed. Within the past few years, Luther has made many necessary changes: ramps were added to Brandt and Ylvisaker, door openers were installed in the entrances of many buildings, and the bathrooms of several residence halls were modified. Also, a handicap accessible security van was purchased and "curb cuts" were put in for students with wheel chairs.

Buildings such as Ylvisaker, Dieseth and Miller will most likely not see any further renovation. With older structures such as these, it is neither architecturally nor financially reasonable to make changes.

Even with the unpredictability of weather and limitations of older buildings, Luther has been able to accommodate students well enough to prevent major problems with its geography or lack of handicapped accessibility.

"We're delighted to welcome to our community students from the widest range of backgrounds possible," said Lund.

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Taylor Addington

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