Unfortunately, the University of New Hampshire campus caters to those who are able-bodied. Although there are certain measures put in place for people with disabilities, they are currently inconveniently located and in some cases, absent. Our university has failed to make its campus 100% accessible for those who are in wheelchairs or who cannot walk freely. We are petitioning to make UNH more accessible for people with disabilities because UNH should welcome and provide the proper amenities for all students, faculty, and visitors, so everyone can equally access the same spaces.

Currently, only 13 out of the 29 residence halls have elevators -- that’s less than half! Some of these buildings have ramp access, but only to the first floor, and these entryways are not always in accessible locations. Hallways and doorways may also not be wide enough for a wheelchair to get through. In addition, bathroom stalls in these buildings need to be bigger and have easier handles or buttons for those in wheelchairs. Students with disabilities should not be forced to choose between a select few of the great residence halls on this campus, so we would like to see all residence halls become accessible. 

In addition to the dormitories, the academic buildings on this campus could use some upgrades as well in order to make them more accessible. Most academic buildings have ramp access points, but these entries are typically only found on one side of the building. This forces these students and faculty to take detours in order to get to their classes -- detours which they should not have to take.

UNH is a university that has a majority of able-bodied individuals, but that is no excuse for the inequalities that non-able-bodied individuals face on a day-to-day basis. We feel it is necessary to address this issue because UNH should treat students, faculty, and visitors that have disabilities as equals. It is time to take action against these injustices to disabled people on campus and demand equal accessibility for all.