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Sep 20, 2012- 10:59 AM
As I’ve been seeing all summer, most can relate when you think of what this odd-looking building on the LU campus was.
Looking at the finished building from the outside, the use of different colour panels gives a modern and puzzling look.
Being a quadriplegic, I was quite curious as to how the accessible units would look and what efforts were made to accommodate students with disability needs.
I am happy to say the developers, engineers, planners and professionals involved nailed it.
All of the accessibility items in this residence vary to accommodate all types of disabilities.
The entrance doors are large enough to fit scooters and wheelchairs of all sizes. The auto door buttons are large and low mounted for easy access.
As you enter, there is a massive main foyer with large windows for maximum lighting.
The elevators are also very large with low, easy to hit buttons and automated floor announcer.
I am happy to say the developers, engineers, planners and professionals involved nailed it.
There are accessible study/boardrooms that are available to the students in this residence. The foyers and lounge areas are very spacious and inviting.
There is specific attention to detail that shows there was good planning when making the rooms.
Inside the accessible dorm room, the light switches and thermostat are lowered and the doors are very wide, yet light and easy to open with handle style latches.
The kitchen has a roll-under sink, and low cupboards without doors, which I found ingenious. Not only does this save dollars, it completely eliminates an unnecessary step to getting dishes or food from cupboards.
The bedroom is very big with ample room to maneuver around.
The accessible washroom has mosaic tiles everywhere. There’s no lip or curb or steep ramp into what I would consider a very spacious shower.
There are simple handle controls and a removable shower seat inside. A roll under sink, grab bars, and easy to use faucets, completes a perfect living quarter for students with special needs.
A student in this residence can feel safe and comfortable while benefiting from interaction with other students.
I would say that of the new construction I’ve seen in the 18 years of my second life, this new project covered it all. Beyond all of the physical, concrete items, I felt a strong sense of belonging while taking a brief tour.
In that short visit, I was looked at as a person, a stakeholder, a student. This building is a stepping stone that, in a sense, eliminates both physical and personal boundaries.
Laurentian University has made the statement that they value full inclusion and equality. This facility encompasses that attitude, and from what I’ve seen, the other buildings are getting close attention as well.
I spent six years at Laurentian University as an undergrad and masters’ student from 1998 to 2004. I always admired LU’s efforts to help students with special needs.
Their special needs department, headed by Earl Black, allowed me to get the much-needed assistance for classes and testing. They are an integral part of a disabled student’s experience at LU.
I personally would never have reached my goals as a student without the help of Earl and his team. I would recommend anyone interested in perusing post-secondary education to speak with the special needs department and visit the new and ever-changing campus at Laurentian University.
Andrew Olivier
Greater Sudbury
