As a student with a
disability, it is important to take responsibility for your own safety.
In order to ensure your safety, develop an emergency plan or a strategy
in advance. The Counselor, Disability Services and Coordinator of
Environmental Services are available to assist you in developing an
emergency plan.
How you respond to an emergency depends on the
type of emergency, your specific disability, the location of your
classes, and where you work on campus.
When evaluating your
specific needs in an emergency situation it is important to think about
your specific evacuation needs (e.g., you use a wheelchair, a
respirator, or have breathing or stamina difficulties).
Students with Mobility Impairments
Elevators provide access for students with mobility impairments to
classrooms throughout campus. However, during an emergency such as a
fire or tornado, elevators can be very dangerous and often cease
working. Furthermore, elevators have been known to break down and at
times leave people with mobility impairments stranded on upper floors.
As a result, it is unlikely that you will be able to evacuate without
the assistance of others. The evacuation of a person who uses a
wheelchair is best left to emergency personnel with extensive training
in evacuation procedures and the proper equipment. Asking untrained
individuals to assist in evacuation could lead to injury to yourself or
the person assisting you.
The following suggestions can help to
ensure your safety in an emergency:
- Make a Plan! For every building in which you have class or work learn the location or the area of refuge, which could include a stairway or an adjacent classroom/room with a fire rated door and walls, where you will await rescue during a fire.
- A stairway must be large enough for you to sit without obstructing the flow of traffic as people exit the building via the stairway. Obstructing the flow of traffic could place you and others in danger. If using a stairway for an area of rescue is not feasible, locate a room that is in close proximity to the stairway that has smoke and fire rated protection from the doors and walls. Also note any difficulty you might have opening the door and ask for assistance if necessary. In case of a tornado, you should locate an interior room or hallway without windows to wait for assistance.
Students with Visual Impairments
As a student with a visual impairment, you should develop a plan of action for emergency situations as well. An ideal time to develop this plan is at the start of each semester as you work with a mobility and orientation specialist to locate your classrooms. The following steps can help to ensure your safety in an emergency situation. First, identify the emergency exit(s) that is closest to your classroom or workspace. Second, determine if you will need assistance in the event of emergency. If you will require assistance, discuss your specific needs with your instructor or supervisor.
Students with Seizure Disorders
If you have a seizure disorder that is not controlled by medication and have seizures often, it is wise to alert your instructor to your condition and how you wish for them to respond should you have a seizure during class. Let them know what to expect if you were to have a seizure and under what circumstances it would be necessary to call for an ambulance. For additional information, you should refer your instructor to the Counselor, Disability Services.
Students with Chronic Illnesses
If you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes, which will require you to use items which may be hazardous to others (e.g. syringes), please contact the Coordinator of Environmental Services, at 734.7244. The Coordinator will provide you with information on how to safely dispose of these items.
Students requiring accessible parking
If you have a permanent or temporary disability which requires parking close to buildings please contact Campus Police, 336.734.7243. They will provide you with a special parking pass to be placed on your vehicle dashboard.
