As many of you are undoubtedly aware, there is a great deal of construction taking place on campus this fall. Such freely frequented locations as the Union and the recently-expanded and reconstructed Anthony Hall are in continual architectual revision.
Unquestionably, the consequent disruption of customary halls, sidewalks, entrances and pick-up points is inconvenient for all of the university's students, faculty and staff. That such constant turmoil and relocation causes a specific and special hazard to many of the disabled is worth reiterating. My experience outside Anthony only two weeks previously is an eloquent example of such singular concerns.
Upon leaving my regularly scheduled history class late one afternoon, I found that my habitual exit from the building was prohibited, as the workers were pouring concrete directly outside the threshhold. Anxious to keep a prescheduled appointment, I searched in some haste and exasperation for the nearest unrestricted door. My eventual choice was ill- advised, for the one I chose led to an exit that had been modified to serve as a temporary loading platform. Fortunately, my cane was in proper position and I stopped well short of the edge where the steps had once been, but the door had closed and locked behind me, stranding me in a rather ridiculous predicament until several passers-by spotted my dilemma and reentered the building to open the door from within.
Amusing as this debacle inarguably was, and though there was no harm done, save to my pride, the results might have been disastrous if I had been less diligent in my mobility, as many of us are when we feel secure. As such, I informed Michael Hudson, OPHS's blind and visual impairment specialist, of the incident. He directed me to the proper authorities, who were sympathetic and concerned that such an accident should not occur again.
Nevertheless, in such populated and hectic undertakings, it is inevitable that certain doors that should be prohibited will be open, and that sections of floor and sidewalk that should be covered will be left exposed. Therefore, I urge that proper cane and dog use be maintained in such endangered areas for your safety and that of others. It would be far better to avoid the necessity for repair by circumventing the danger. As the old saying goes, 'A pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'