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Supportive Services modifies BC campus to accomodate students with special needs.
Julie Salguero
Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: News
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The Supportive Services program has modified the Bakersfield College campus in order to accommodate the growing number of disabled students.
One change is the set routes for the courtesy carts according to the Courtesy Cart Service brochure. Also, all elevators are functioning without the use of a key, except for the elevator located in the Math and Science Building, because it is an "exterior" elevator and for safety reasons it remains locked.
The carts are offered as a courtesy by BC for "any student with a verified permanent or temporary mobility impairment." However, in order to use a cart, one must be an "authorized user," said Joyce Kirst, BC learning disabilities specialist. An authorized user is given a Supportive Services card with the student's name on it.
According to Kirst, 1,200 BC students are currently being serviced throughout the department. Disabilities include deafness, blindness, a fractured arm or leg, a learning disability and even "psychological disabilities such as depression." The department is happy to say that all are being accommodated.
"Students are pleased with our service," said Kirst.
Another service provided through the department is a section in the BC library where students with disabilities have accommodated computers with special electronic tables that adjust for students in wheelchairs.
Marcela Lopez, deaf studies major, uses the Kurzweil program to "scan" her books. Another accommodation Lopez is grateful for is the testing accommodations offered through the Supportive Service Department. Students with disabilities are allowed to take a test outside of class and are allowed more time.
"They are very helpful with my needs... some [students] need more accommodations, but I feel mine are met," said Lopez.
Another feature that disabled students enjoy at the library is that accommodated computers are set aside for them to use and one is always available.
"It makes things easier to come in and actually find a computer," said Lopez.
One change is the set routes for the courtesy carts according to the Courtesy Cart Service brochure. Also, all elevators are functioning without the use of a key, except for the elevator located in the Math and Science Building, because it is an "exterior" elevator and for safety reasons it remains locked.
The carts are offered as a courtesy by BC for "any student with a verified permanent or temporary mobility impairment." However, in order to use a cart, one must be an "authorized user," said Joyce Kirst, BC learning disabilities specialist. An authorized user is given a Supportive Services card with the student's name on it.
According to Kirst, 1,200 BC students are currently being serviced throughout the department. Disabilities include deafness, blindness, a fractured arm or leg, a learning disability and even "psychological disabilities such as depression." The department is happy to say that all are being accommodated.
"Students are pleased with our service," said Kirst.
Another service provided through the department is a section in the BC library where students with disabilities have accommodated computers with special electronic tables that adjust for students in wheelchairs.
Marcela Lopez, deaf studies major, uses the Kurzweil program to "scan" her books. Another accommodation Lopez is grateful for is the testing accommodations offered through the Supportive Service Department. Students with disabilities are allowed to take a test outside of class and are allowed more time.
"They are very helpful with my needs... some [students] need more accommodations, but I feel mine are met," said Lopez.
Another feature that disabled students enjoy at the library is that accommodated computers are set aside for them to use and one is always available.
"It makes things easier to come in and actually find a computer," said Lopez.