[Note: Describes life as a student with disabilities at Slippery Rock University]
By Elizabeth Rekowski
Rocket Focus Editor
Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: Focus
Francine Maitland wheeled her way down the hall on the second floor of Spotts World Culture Building. A 6-month-old Labrador-mix marked with a “Please Don’t Pet” vest walked obediently by her side. A few paces behind her and the dog, a helpful friend named Anthony followed.
“Do you want me to open the door for you?” Anthony asked.
When Maitland said “Yes,” Anthony gladly opened the door for his friend.
For most students, getting through a doorway would be no problem. But because of the width of her wheelchair, Maitland has trouble getting through without getting her wheels stuck against the door frame.
Maitland, a 23-year-old senior creative writing major, has been in and out of a wheelchair for 11 years and chose not to share the reason for her disability. She said she is one of four students in wheelchairs on campus, but one of nearly 400 students with documented disabilities at SRU.
She found her place in the English department by becoming managing editor of the university’s literary magazine, the Sound and Literary Art Book, better known as SLAB. Her office, clear of any obstacles, had tables pushed up against the walls and a clear, open floor space.
She sat quietly in her office chair, her brown eyes highlighted by dark framed glasses and her golden brown hair pulled back into a pony tail.
“Without Anthony and my other friends, I wouldn’t be able to complete college here on my own,” Maitland said appreciatively.
She said life on the SRU campus isn’t easy and something she can’t do on her own. She notes that other universities, such as IUP, are much more disabled-persons-friendly.
FULL STORY: http://tinyurl.com/4fdj2k
