University Daily Kansan, September 17, 1981 Page 3
Handicapped find librarv more accessible
By CYNTHIA HRENCHIR
Staff Reporter
Cool Kansas breezes remind students at the University that the school year is quickly passing. Midterms and long nights at Watson Library are now appearing on the horizon. The search for that one book needed is hard, but a handicapped person is faced with an even more difficult struggle.
The wheelchair ramp alongside Watson rises at a slope of one foot to the ground, with a sharp bend must be navigated, with a sharp bend ready to trip a wheel or grab a handle.
MARY FINNEGAN, librarian in charge of assisting the handicapped, has seen two or three students in library since the ramp was completed.
"I asked the people how the ramp was, and they said, 'It's okay.'"
Flinnegan said yesterday. "I hope to hear more comments as the school year
"After the ramp was completed and people saw it, they got worried. They wondered about the weather and if a manual wheelchair could manage it."
BUT ONCE the ramp is behind them, people in wheelchairs will probably find their problems inside the library behind them, too.
"I have always had wonderful cooperation," said Roger Williams, assistant instructor for the KU Paleoan institute. He has been using a wheelchair since 1968.
"They have a system here," he said.
"You go to the reference desk, say,
'Here I am,' and there should be someone there to help you."
Bill Miller, Topeka junior, expressed his doubts about the ability of handicapped people to handle the library's new security system.
'The stairs up here won't be bad if
they keep them cleared," he said, "but my crutches probably will get caught up in the bars. I haven't been there yet, and need both of my hands for my crutches."
WILLIAMS HAD been on a subcommittee that was consulted on the meeting.
"Their reason for installing the ramp at the same place can tell," he said.
He said his committee had advocated an east entrance to Watson Library with a ramp along 20 Circle Drive, which is between Fraser and Blake halls.
"That's where the handicapped parking is," he said. "They could have, in 1979, modified the elevator to allow access there."
He was filled with compliments for
his work and their assistance to the handcapped
"The staff at the library was at the forefront of helping make things
comfortable," Williams said. "They were trying to help long before the federal government started to pass laws."
He mentioned their willingness both to get books that were out of reach for the handicapped and to assist at the card catalog.
The Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 required non-discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities receiving or benefiting from federal financial aid. The University established a special task force in 1977 to deal with the modifications necessary to meet this requirement.
The federally required self-evaluation for the Lawrence campus was completed on June 2, 1978. Its basic purpose had been to provide han- people with access to programs, activities and facilities of the University.
on campus
TODAY
THE EPISCOPAL EUCHARISTIC FELLOWSHIP will meet at noon in Danforth Chapel.
THE KU FRISBEE CLUB will practice at 4:30 p.m. in the field behind Oliver Hall.
A LIFE ISSUE SEMINAR will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the Ecumenical Christian Ministries Center.
ENTRY DEADLINE FOR THE CHANCELLOR'S CUP BIE RACE will be at 5 p.m. in Room 208 Robinson Center.
THE ENTRY DEADLINE AND MANAGER'S MEETING FOR VOLLEYBALL will be at 7 p.m. in Room 202 Robinson Center.
THE UNITED STATES STUDENT ASSOCIATION will meet at 7 p.m. in the Oread Room of the Kansas Union.
THE SIMULATIONS GAMING GROUP will meet at 7:30 p.m. in Court 2 of the Union.
THE YOUNG DEMOCRATS will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the Pine Room of the Union.
TOMORROW
THE POLITICAL SCIENCE PROSEMINAR will feature a discussion in "Sunspots, Food Production and Foreign Policy: the Impact of World Food Availability on Resources and Patterns of Soviet Foreign Policy Formulation." Ron Francisco, associate professor of political science, and Roy Laird, professor of political science, will conduct the pro-seminar at 3:30 p.m. in Room $25 Blake.
THE BIOLOGY CLUB will meet at 4:30 p.m. in the Sunflower Room of the Union.
JERRY HARPER
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INTRODUCTION
A Slave of Love (1976) is a film from the Soviet Union, about a crew film shooting a silly romance called "A Slave of Loving." The crew works to filter out to their location. A winning, most characteristic film, directed by Nita Mihakovskaya, stars 7:30 and 8:30, Dyche Auditorium.
Thursday, Sept. 17
Friday, Sept.18 Ordinarv People
Robert Redford's directorial debut is the moving story of a family's recovery after the death of one son, Super performer Robert Taylor and his wife Mary Taylor and Donald Sutherland as the parents; winner of Best Actress for "The Ballet" and Best Supporting Actor (Hutton) awards. With Judd Hutch. Plus: Thurman's "Ballets of Love" (1297) 3:30; 7:00, 9:30. jcolor. 3:30, 7:00, 9:30.
Slap Shot
Unless otherwise noted, all films will be shown at Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union. Midnight Movies are available at KU and the KSA; movies are available at the SUA office, Kansas Union, 4th level, Kansas Union, Information亭, or refreshments allowed.
Paul Newman stars as the aging leader of a second-rate hockey team that decides to reacquire the Rangers, relocating hilarious comedy directed by George Roy Hill (The Sting). With Michael Ortkan, Jennifer Warren, Brother Martin (122 min) Color: 120/30
(1977)