Under the requirements of the ADA checklist, we are trying to build an accessible environment for people with disabilities, as the specially designed entrances, ramps, toilets, etc. However, questions may also arise when we try to ensure the accessibility for people with disabilities. "Are we identifying them as people and separating them by their identities?" In this work, I will pick up the entrances of Dobbs Hall at Emory University as models, examine the accessibility there, and figure out how Emory community is trying to ensure the accessibility for People with disabilities and deal with such kind of "identity issues.
"Dobbs Hall is a dormitory for first year students at Emory University. It is always the top choice for the freshmen because of its wonderful location at the central campus and close knit community.There are two face-to-face entrances at the ground floor of the hall, and both of them require a proxy card for entrance. The doors are all measured 36 inches in width, which is pretty much wide enough for a wheelchair user. And the doors use lever handlers for opening rather than twisting knobs, which should be helpful for people who have problem with their wrists. The height of the handle and the proxy card scanner are 35 inches above the ground, quite reachable for a person who is standing or sitting on a chair. Last but not least, for the door on the left side, we could see an automatic push button alongside the proxy card scanner. And they are put on the side wall a little bit away from the door. This is specially designed for wheelchair users; after one swipes the proxy card and presses on the button, the door will open automatically. ("Mapping Accessibility_Dobbs Hall" - Kimi Cheng.)"
"Dobbs Hall is a dormitory for first year students at Emory University. It is always the top choice for the freshmen because of its wonderful location at the central campus and close knit community.There are two face-to-face entrances at the ground floor of the hall, and both of them require a proxy card for entrance. The doors are all measured 36 inches in width, which is pretty much wide enough for a wheelchair user. And the doors use lever handlers for opening rather than twisting knobs, which should be helpful for people who have problem with their wrists. The height of the handle and the proxy card scanner are 35 inches above the ground, quite reachable for a person who is standing or sitting on a chair. Last but not least, for the door on the left side, we could see an automatic push button alongside the proxy card scanner. And they are put on the side wall a little bit away from the door. This is specially designed for wheelchair users; after one swipes the proxy card and presses on the button, the door will open automatically. ("Mapping Accessibility_Dobbs Hall" - Kimi Cheng.)"