Guelph-Humber disabled student discusses accessibility concerns on campus
From washrooms to classrooms, some physically disabled students said they are unable to get around independently.
First-year student Daniel Tatros was surprised when he arrived at the University of Guelph-Humber this fall.
Tatros was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect that caused permanent damage to his spinal cord and nerve system. As a result, Tatros is dependent on a wheelchair.
When Tatros was on his way to class, he realized he was unable to open the classroom door on his own.
“This is an open area for students and all paths of life, why are they not offering us help,” Tatros said.
Guelph-Humber has four floors of classrooms, however none of these classrooms have automatic doors.
According to the Ontario Accessibility act, universities must have automatic doors on washrooms and main doors but classrooms are not included.
“For a government funded organization that is enrolling students with physical disabilities there should be accommodations,” Tatros said.
Director Meg Houghton of the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre at Humber College wrote in an email that the centre is not responsible for facilities on campus.
Humber facilities director Spencer Wood said automatic doors could be implemented.
Wood said, “Humber facilities are in charge of common space, however anything related to academics must go through Guelph-Humber.”
Tatros said the issue extends further than classrooms and relates to going to the washroom. “In the common washroom the wheelchair accessible stall is always in use and barely wide enough.”
At Guelph-Humber each common washroom has one wheelchair accessible stall. Sometimes students who don’t need the access use the wheelchair accessible stall not thinking about the affect it has on physically disabled students who need it, Tatros said.
To avoid the lineup and take advantage of stall size Tatros often uses the gender-neutral washroom on the first floor. Tatros said, “If every floor at Guelph-Humber had gender-neutral washrooms students with disabilities could use them easily.”
On Feb. 10, 2016 Humber College released a “Gender Diversity Policy” stating it would ensure all genders could use the washrooms safely regardless of gender identity.
Based on this, gender-neutral washrooms were built. Wood said, “We looked into implementing gender-neutral washrooms on each floor; however, we could not find a place to put them. Due to plumbing and space the first floor was the only option.”
Vice President of Student Affairs Maja Jocson first heard about this issue in an administrative meeting in spring 2016.
Jocson said, “The administrators highlighted that it was up to Humber to make these changes because they owned the building.”
Jocson said that there is a misunderstanding about who decides to install these doors. She said, “as a student organization it is our job to voice these issues.”
Jocson plans to meet with students to hear their stories and try to find a solution.
About the Author
Laura Lourenco is a journalism student that enjoys fashion and entertainment. She is a former Team Canada synchronized skater with five national titles. Laura's dream job would be to host Breakfast Television.
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