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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 14, 1978)
Alert names handicapped priorities University falls short on building accessibility following HEW Mandate there isn’t a large demand for new buildings. “We don’t feel it’s a hassle for architecture or music students to go to school a couple more years in their old schools while we can’t go to school at all." Ralph Rosa, compliance By CAROLYN BEAVER Of the Emerald Although many buildings around campus are accessible to handicapped students, Chester Falter, campus Alert director, says the University ‘‘is not pushing accessibility or equality as a priority.” Alert is an ASUO-funded group which supports handi capped persons. Last April Health,Education and Welfare Secretary Joseph Califano signed section 504 to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The section stipulates employers or institutions receiving federal funds cannot discriminate against handicapped persons. Institutions have until August, 1978 to make all educational programs accessible except those involving ‘substantial physical changes.” Physical barriers must be removed by April 29. 1980. In May, 1977, the State Board of Higher Education estimated the cost of University accessibility would run about $1.4 million and asked the Legislature to foot the bill. The Legislature last year set aside $100,000 to look into how state schools could be made accessible. Falter says they allocated this small amount while hoping the federal government would pick up the tab. "The $100,000 was just to keep it (the issue)open. The Legislature wants to get federal funds, but that's doubtful. Even (University Pres. William) Boyd says so. Handicapped accessibility is not a priority for Pres. Carter,” says Faller. Faller and Alert members now plan to get on the State's Capital Construction Fund. “There’s $68 million in the Capital Construction fund and some of it belongs to us.” Accessibility changes should “be on the top of the list,” Faller says. He thinks because the “University is losing students,” Photo by Carolyn Beaver While some University buildings are accessible for handicapped persons, not all are, as Chester Faller, Alert director, realizes. Falter claims the University doesn't place handicapped needs at the top of the priority list and he wants that to change. r CHINA BLUE RESTAURANT featuring for dinner: Curry Chicken Cubed chicken sauteed with authentic Indian Curry and onion, simmered in a rich gravy. $3.85 Hours Mon Thurs . 10 to 10 Fn . 10 to 11 Sat. S to 11 Sun . 5 to 10. China Blue 879 E. 13th Ave. 343-2832 PACIFIC NAUTILUS CONDITIONING CENTER THE MOST ADVANCED CONCEPT IN TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING FOR MEN AND WOMEN EVER DEVELOPED. COME IN, FOR A FREE TRIAL WORKOUT. HURRY! SAVE ON SPECIAL GRAND OPENING RATES UNTIL WED. FEB. 15 Whatever your physical condtioning goal may be, Nautilus offers maximum results in the shortest possible time. 2570 Willamette Eugene 485-4475 director for the University’s Affirmative Action office, says the University “is between a rock and a hard place" as far as finding compliance funding. "By 1980, if we are to have a program at the University, it must be accessible,” says Rosa. The money will have to come from somewhere, and Rosa thinks it will have to be from the state Legislature. "The penalty for non-comp liance is loss of federal funds,” he says. The University receives approximately $20 million in federal funds each year. “I don’t think we could function as a viable institution without it,” Rosa says. The University Planning Office, part of the Physical Plant, is compiling physical accessibility transition plan. Rosa said the plan will be available soon. “From this report, the University will be able to make specific budgetary requests,” he says. Federal regulations under Section 504 require a transition plan for educational accessibility as well as physical accessibility. The total plan is not due until June, so Rosa says it’s too early to estimate how many programs will have to change to conform to the section. Rosa feels the University has made “demonstrable good faith efforts to meet Section 504 obligations” so far. He mentions the program at the Health Center that uses six rooms for 24-hour care for handicapped persons; “one of the few in the nation to my knowledge.” Faller plans a student informational meeting Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the EMU, room to be posted, so they’ll (students) be able to see the faultiness” in current physical accessibility. Art and Architecture Supplies for the student and the professional Many major lines discounted from 15 to 25% year ’round to better serve you. Clearprint Paper Strathmore Drawing Pads Staedler-Mars Pens Faber Castel Pens Koh-i-noor Rapidographs Design Markette Markers Grumbacher Paint-oils & acrylics Grumbacher Brushes Simmons Brushes Crescent Poster Board uo BOOKSTORE 13tk & Kincaid 686-4331 Open: Mon-Fri 8:15-5:30 Sat 10:00-2:00 L
