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| Disabled Student Services recently acquired a handicapped accessible cart to help students move about the Cal Poly Pomona campus. |
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| Fred Henderson, director of Disabled Student Services and student workers Marisa Intrarakha and Tom Ly with recently acquired handicapped accessable cart that will help students move about the Cal Poly Pomona campus. |
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| Disabled Student Services recently acquired a handicapped accessable cart to help students move about the Cal Poly Pomona campus. Student workers Tom Ly and Marisa Intrarakha demonstrate its use. |
While known for its history and beauty, the Cal Poly Pomona campus is also the second largest among Cal State University members. Although its 1,438 acres provide a picturesque setting for learning, such an expanse can also prove most difficult for individuals with injuries or permanent disabilities.
Disabled Student Services recently acquired a handicapped accessible cart to help students move about the Cal Poly Pomona campus.
Fred Henderson, director of Disabled Student Services and student workers Marisa Intrarakha and Tom Ly with recently acquired handicapped accessable cart that will help students move about the Cal Poly Pomona campus.
Disabled Student Services recently acquired a handicapped accessable cart to help students move about the Cal Poly Pomona campus. Student workers Tom Ly and Marisa Intrarakha demonstrate its use.
Looking to aid those faced with such hurdles, Disabled Student Services (DSS) partnered with the Office of Diversity, Parking Services and the Annual Fund to purchase an electric cart with wheelchair access that will be available to assist transport throughout the university.
“This is a beautiful campus, but it can be frustrating when you're having troubles getting from place to place,” says DSS Director Fred Henderson. “Even our tram system is inadequate when it comes to these issues. I can certainly understand the frustration.”
Glenn Shenker, director of development for Student Affairs Division, worked with Henderson to help find the $11,000 needed to purchase the electric cart and provide needed maintenance.
“This is something Fred had talked about for several years,” said Shenker. “We were able to get together with Annual Fund to help purchase the vehicle and make this idea a reality.”
The purpose of the cart is mainly to assist those with temporary mobility issues, such as foot and leg injuries. Priority will be given to those needing assistance getting to and from classrooms and labs.
“Most people with permanent mobility issues already have things like electric chairs, items that help them maneuver across campus. That's why those with temporary issues are our main focus,” said Henderson. “We had a faculty member who recently had foot surgery and couldn't get from his office to his classroom. At that time, we didn't have the ability to help. With this cart, we can now offer help in such situations.”
That doesn't mean those with permanent issues will be excluded from using the service. At present, a system to prioritize calls is being designed to best serve the campus community. A part-time student is currently helping maintain the vehicle and coordinate operations.
By the start of Fall Quarter, Henderson expects to be able to offer assistance weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend service is also under discussion, but at present requires special advance arrangements.
For further details and information regarding the electric cart, contact DSS at (909) 869-3333.