The Impact of the ADA at Texas State

By Samuel Kelly

Many students know the challenges that come with traversing the Texas State campus, but for some students it would be nearly impossible if not for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The ADA was initially signed into law 25 years ago by former President George H.W. Bush. With its passing came laws that today protect the rights of individuals with disabilities both physical and non physical. It prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities when applying for work, and ensures that all facets of life from shops and businesses to travel are made accessible for everyone.

Junior Takia Bunton
photo by: William Thomas

Texas State has made many resources available in an attempt to best service it's diverse student body. Resources like elevators, ramps and button activated doors can be found in many parts of the campus. These additions have not only impacted it's intended recipients but others on campus as well.

"I use the elevators and ramps around campus," said junior Takia Bunton, "they are really convenient and it definitely makes my commute faster when I have to rush from class to class."

Though these resources have had a positive impact on the student body, others believe that there is room for improvement. Due to it's many hills and stairs, the campus isn't always disability friendly and some of the ramps are narrow and difficult to navigate if there is an influx of students, said Sophomore Victoria Davila.

Sophomore Victoria Davila
photo by: Hannah Hoffman

Texas State has taken steps to provide as much as they can for the student body. The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is one of the institutions on campus that provides numerous services. They offer access to testing facilities, can help assign sign language interpreters and even provide transportation and note takers for people who are temporarily injured.

Senior Allison Tagloff
photo by: Josie Rasberry

"I have to wear a boot for the time being, so walking up and down the campus was really hard for a little while," said senior Allison Tagloff, "I filled an application with ODS and was granted golf cart rides to classes so there wouldn't be so much strain on my leg."

For all of it's great strides, however, Texas State is not without the occasional hiccup and certain instances show room for improvement and raising awareness. Earlier in the month of September, Senior Jeremy Kennard was asked to provide documentation for his service dog by one of his professors, an action Kennard considered illegal and in violation of the ADA. Following this incident, the policy was changed so that professors can no longer request documentation and instead can only ask if the animal is a service animal and what they are trained to do.

The ADA has given power and equality back to persons who had long been denied certain freedoms and access. It has furthered diversity on the Texas State campus and given those with disabilities a chance to partake in all facets of life.