The Plass Learning Resource Center is in the process of becoming the new location for University Libraries, and with this change, accessibility issues for disabled students arise. 

“With the construction, I had to park way further out, I have a knee injury so it’s causing more pain, there are disabilities you can’t see but they are definitely suffering,” said Yessica Holman, junior pre-law major.

With the construction on campus, finding accessible parking can be difficult, but parking isn’t the only concern. 

As the ongoing construction continues within Plass, issues within the building itself arise. From uneven surfaces for wheelchairs and blocked-off areas within the building, many disabled students have a hard time navigating the area. 

Angela Mooney, junior computer information sciences major, said she can see the construction going on and how it can be difficult, especially for disabled students, but she is hoping it will be done soon. 

The construction blocking off parts of the building, blocked-off accessibility parking and third-floor relocation of the Student Accessibility Services office have made navigating these resources more difficult for those with disabilities on campus.

Holman stated that the issue possibly has more to do with the timeframe of the construction rather than the construction itself. 

“I don’t want to say they can work at night, but I don’t know, maybe choosing a different date,” she said. 

While this is a pressing issue for disabled students on campus, it may not even be something those without a disability give a second thought to. 

Riley Porter, sophomore radiology major shared his thoughts on the issues caused by the construction.

“I actually haven’t heard about that. This is the first time I’m hearing about this,” Porter said. “[But] I could see how it would make accessing different parts of campus harder for disabled students.”

Through listening to students and having discussions with disabled students and educators within the Washburn community, a solution that serves both accessibility and comfort for everyone on campus is possible. 

Edited by Jeremy Ford and Morgan Albrecht