Progressive Disability Movement

Oxford, Miss. –The University of Mississippi continues to progress in providing disability accommodations inside and outside the classroom. However, disabled student Tonya Herron, still faces challenges with mobility on the hilly campus of Ole Miss.

 “The students are very considerate and always wanting to be very helpful, but it is very hard to get around on campus” says Herron a visually impaired student at the University of Mississippi.  Herron’s disability does not keep her from being out-going. She has no problems with making friends or being a part of different activities on campus.

Although she has no problems with her social life, she does feel that the campus could be more accessible for disabled students. The campus is very hilly and not accommodating for the disability community at Ole Miss.

Herron also has difficulties finding parking spots for class. According to Isaac Astill, Director of Parking and Transportation, there are 592 handicapped spaces in total on campus but the number varies because of the construction work. Even though the campus is certified by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Herron claims her and others still have issues on campus.

The issues she has with parking are so severe that she has asked friends to drop her off and pick every time she has a class. “I’m blessed to have such considerate friends who are able to do this for me because I don’t know how I would get around other wise,” says Herron.

The Student Disabilities Services Department helps accommodate student needs as it pertains to communication, technology, and transportation. There are 500 students enrolled in the disability program each semester and the numbers continuously grow every year.

Ronda Bryan, an Ole Miss Disability Specialist, feels that the instructors provide accommodations without hesitation. Bryan does feel that the department could use more funding, adding staff, and staff training. With more funding she feels they could develop many aspects of the program.

 “The area that we could improve in is accessible technology,” says Bryan, “Parts of our university website are not accessible for our blind students, but we are aware and working on a solution.”

Both Astill and Bryan feel that the university has come a long way in the past two years with not only parking and transportation service but also the disability services program. Bryan states, “I do believe the students are treated fairly…we have come a long way.  These students are recognized amongst the other diverse populations.”

April is recognized as Disability Awareness month and there a lot of activities set up to raise awareness on campus. There will be a wheel chair basketball tournament, student panel for disabled students, and an Accessible technology expo.

This is a month not only for disabled students to be able to participate in activities but also be able to interact with other students that face the same issues as themselves.

There are many opportunities to get involved with the activities and there is more information on the Student Disability Services home page.

Tonya Herron on her way to class.