ADA being implemented at Texas State

By: Samuel Ramirez

As the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Americans With Disabilities Act is being observed by Texas State, the Office of Disability Services is spreading awareness on its implementation on the university and its students.

After Texas State students were questioned on the university's compliance with the ADA on campus, it is evident that many students are affected by this Act. Many students have noticed the accommodations made by Texas State to cater to its diverse population.

Photo By: Samuel Ramirez

"There are ramps everywhere now, just like the stairs," student Evan Cruz said. "It gives people who are handicapped a way to get around efficiently."

Just because a person is not handicapped in any way does not necessarily mean that student does not benefit from the ADA's influence. Moreover, many students feel it helps them in their time of need.

Photo By: Brenna O'Donnell

"I do, yes, use the ramps and elevators when it's convenient for me mostly," student Kerry Fellers said. "Honestly, it's pretty awesome that I can just walk up a ramp when my legs are tired of using stairs."

Photo By: Johnathan Check

"I use the elevators just in the library," student Roberto Pezina said. "Sometimes I use the ramps on the stairs just to run."

Texas State's reputation of being a diverse community of students includes those who are disabled. The steps that the university has made in order to accommodate to all people have not gone unnoticed.

Photo By: Josie Rasberry

"Texas State does a wonderful job of accommodating people with disabilities," student Allison Tagloff said. "The university has tons of programs that both help and include people with disabilities, and our faculty and staff, such as Clint Michael Reneau, make sure that students with disabilities aren’t discriminated against."

The UN lists disabled persons as 10 percent of the world's population, which is considered the smallest minority group on the planet. Even though the population of disabled persons may be a small fraction of a whole, some people feel there should be more done to make people aware of their presence and needs.

Photo By: Holly Henrichsen

"There is a disability awareness week or month, but I feel like there's no education that goes along with it," student Emily Parma said. "It does just, 'oh, acknowledge it' and it's acknowledged but it's not educating."

No matter what the reception from the ADA's presence on campus is, students have an opinion on how it has changed the university and its care for people with disabilities.

Photo By: Soraya Herbert

“I feel that Texas State would do what is necessary to keep balance in the student community and make sure that students with disabilities can achieve the best educational experience as possible," Sergio said. 

Positively or negatively, the Americans With Disabilities Act has made a change at Texas State University and it will continue to for another 25 years.