Social Constructs of Disability at Fredonia

The ADA provides “reasonable accommodation” for the disabled. In terms of Fredonia, this could mean providing disability support services that enables the student to be successful in their coursework (documentation of disability is required though). For example, they may provide a custom classroom desk to accommodate someone in a wheelchair (you can also see special desks prioritized for the disabled in the Media Center, for instance); provide TDD phone equipment in a dorm for a student whose hearing is impaired; or provide a quiet, distraction-free testing room for a student with attention deficit disorder. I notice the ramps and carved curbs, power assisted doors, larger stalls with grab bars in bathrooms. These examples follow the inclusive logic, which states that individuals with disabilities should be included as full and members of human communities. It also corresponds to the social model of disability, which says that the disabled are contributing members in a diverse society. Overall, the college does a great job with accommodating the disabled. One place in particular that lacks accessibility is Rockefeller Arts Center, but I think there is talk of making changes there.