The Chimes

Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: News

Media Credit: flickr.com

While much of the University focuses on Thanksgiving break and final exams approaching, one man is focusing on making campus a more accessible place.

About two months ago, 1970 Capital alumnus Robert Lortz began to contact various members of the administration regarding the accessibility of campus.

The issue arose in February, when Lortz attended an economics conference, where a reception in Schumacher Gallery was held.

"I immediately noticed the inaccessibility in the Blackmore Library," Lortz said. "Soon after, I made a call to the alumni association, and began writing to the President's office and the Provost's office."

Lortz also has multiple technical issues with the University, mainly from the 1992 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Lortz cited many issues in Mees Hall, which is currently scheduled to host the Christmas program. According to Lortz, the doors should be "pushable," without the current thumb depressors.

Likewise, many of the drinking fountains do not comply to ADA standards and there are several issues in the bathrooms of the building.

Specifically the issue of the elimination of "readily achievable barriers", which are various items that prevent access to drinking fountains, toilets, and other facilities that need to be accessible.

Lortz even claims that the University's discrimination policy "allows for discrimination to anyone with a disability," because they do not specifically outline any rights in the statement on their web site.

Looking forward to the University's Christmas program, Lortz sees issues.

"I could, theoretically, get a temporary restraining order for the University holding the Christmas program in an inaccessible location," Lortz said. "I don't want to do this, I don't want to kill the Christmas program, but the University has not done its due diligence. I'm hoppin' mad. You can quote me on that."

Perhaps the biggest issue for Lortz, however, is the lack of communication he feels the University has provided.

"I've got a bunch of words from the President, and the Chair of the Board of Trustees," said Lortz. "But when I asked to meet and make plans, I didn't get a response."

This perceived lack of communication seems to be a one-way street, however.

"There have been so many forms of communication," said University President Denvy Bowman. "Not only have I talked to Mr. Lortz, but the Chairman of the Board of Trustees has also dispatched his personal telephone number to him, in an attempt to arrange a meeting between the three of us, with no response."

Bowman also differs in his opinion of how to handle the issue of accessibility on campus.

"Our perspective is more campus-wide," Bowman said. "We want to do it right, not just a temporary fix, which is what these individual circumstances would require."

Lortz, however, is focusing on an even broader subject than Capital. Not only is he concerned with his alma mater, but other schools in the area as well.

"OSU is a nightmare," Lortz said. "Otterbein isn't perfect, but it's better than some. Ohio Wesleyan is awful."

In a previous incident, Lortz took Ohio Wesleyan to court. Lortz and his wife wanted to attend a play at the University, but it was in an inaccessible building.

Lortz contacted the director, but to no avail.

The director said they were a private school and therefore did not have to comply.

Lortz then went to the U.S. District Court in Columbus, who "brought all the sides together, and said 'fix it.'"

The Capital administration feels that this University does, in fact, comply with the ADA requirements.

"To my knowledge, we've met all requirements [for the ADA]," Bowman said. "That doesn't mean that we are as accessible as I'd like us to be, though. We can always improve."

The clear issue is whether or not the older buildings on campus are required to be ADA-compliant. These buildings, such as Mees Hall and the Blackmore Library, are where Lortz seems to be focusing.

"Our campus is one with a very aging infrastructure," Bowman said. "We continue to strive to be accessible to students, faculty, and visitors alike."

Tanya Poteet, University Counsel, echoed this sentiment.

"We certainly continue to work to comply with the ADA," Poteet said. "All of our new construction, and all of our renovations, are compliant."

Overall, the University has made many improvements in the past few years, including renovations to many buildings, and complying with standards in all new buildings.

"The last two years we've made great strides towards full accessibility," Bowman said. "Where I disagree [with Lortz] is that in the past year, the developments we've made compare favorably to any other period in our history."

"Since President Bowman has taken the helm, we've made a lot of progress," said Troy Bonte, Director of Facilities Management. "Health and safety, and accessibility, are two of our highest levels of concern. They have become a much higher priority than before."

One thing all members of the administration agree on is the progress that will continue to be made.

"We have a database that we track all of our projects on," Bonte said. "Each year we look at the funding available and prioritize what we can do with each one."

Some of these projects are already in the works around campus.

"Elevators are scheduled for 2010," Poteet said. "And we hope to have new bathrooms built over Christmas break."

While the desired timetable may differ, there is no disagreement among any party that Capital's accessibility can improve. Even Denvy Bowman, who has personally taken an interest in the situation, can find room for improvement.

"I do think the University could do better," said Bowman. "But, I also think that we will be better, and continue to make strides."

There is also a tentative timeline in place to change aspects of campus and the administration wants to make it clear that effort is being made.

"I share [Lortz's] vision that the University needs to strive to be open and accessible to everyone," Bowman said. "I wish we could move more quickly, but the job needs to be done the right way."

By Andrew King
Editorial staff
aking@capital.edu

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