Spring Break
The Daily OrangeFollett's renovates shop to improve accessibility
By Ronna M. Weyland
Posted: 9/13/07, 12:23 AM EST Section: News
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"Before, there was no way to get someone in a wheelchair downstairs where the textbooks were located," said Sarah Douglass, store manager of two years. "We wanted to be able to accommodate all of our customers. By moving the textbooks upstairs and putting in a ramp, the whole store is now accessible for people with disabilities."
In order to accomplish the redesign of the store, she said the bookstore took over an empty store space where Maggie's Tavern was formerly located.
A big push for the renovations came from the Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee (BCCC). The BCCC is an organization of Syracuse University students who help create and support better climates for individuals with disabilities in all campus settings.
"I have been a part of the push to get the textbooks moved since last year," said Zosha Stuckey, BCCC member and doctoral student in composition and cultural rhetoric and disability studies. "This is a good example of how the university can collaborate with the community."
Planning for the project began last year, and Douglass said the original thought was to put in an elevator. Due to excessive cost, bringing the books upstairs became a better idea, she said. Renovations started in May and were completed one week before the semester started in late August.
"Everything went smoothly. It all worked out well, and the university was great on meeting the deadlines they had set," Douglass said.
Follett's - a business independent of SU, though the university owns Marshall Square Mall - was already in compliance with federal and state codes regarding disability laws, she said.
She said the results have been very positive for her customers. In the past, patrons using wheelchairs and in search of textbooks would have to give a list to a clerk to search for them. There has also been a new ramp installed for shoppers in wheelchairs.
Stuckey, from the BCCC, said the new ramp was a symbolic sign and the BCCC is very happy with the results of the renovations.
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