Emerald THE DAILY
MONDAY, JAN. 13, 2025 OPINION
INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM PRODUCED BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS
INVESTIGATIONS
Students with disabilities struggle with accessibility options
Studying Abroad: What I learned and why it’s still worth it By Noa Schwartz Visuals Editor
Several students with disabilities shared their experiences at UO, sparking ADA concerns
When I decided to travel to French Polynesia for a six-week program, I pictured tropical palm trees, black sand beaches, picturesque waterfalls and thriving wildlife. Seven months later, I found myself sick to my stomach on a plane, returning from a trip I thought would be the highlight of my year. What started as a tropical adventure turned into a physical and emotional rollercoaster. I felt crushed and ashamed for not taking advantage of my opportunity. But the two questions remain: Would I do it again and should you? To get to the answer I’ll give some context. I was ecstatic when I found the Wildlands Studies
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By Ruby Duncan Investigative Reporter
The University of Oregon emphasizes its commitment to having a “diverse learning and working environment that is inclusive and accessible for everyone,” however some students with disabilities say the reality does not align. Four students with varying disabilities told the Daily Emerald that campus accessibility is not what it advertises. They pointed to several alleged American with Disabilities Act issues throughout campus, from student housing evacuation plans to ramps. The ADA was enacted in 1990 and it includes laws, regulations and standards specific to the civil rights of people with disabilities. Since UO is a publicly-funded school, areas that have been updated since 1990 are legally mandated to comply with the ADA. Luna Fera, a third-year student and the director of the AccessAbility Student Union who uses a wheelchair for mobility, said, “In my opinion, UO is a lot of talk and little action… In my experience here … most things are accessible on paper, but to actually access (them) becomes a lot more complicated.” Another student, Lucy Feuerborn had a similar opinion. “It’s a lot of talking the talk, and, no pun intended, not a lot of walking the walk,” Feuerborn said. According to an email statement from the Accessible Education Center Senior Director, Norma Kehdi, the AEC is designated to “determine Luna Fern is a psychology student at the University of Oregon.
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