Transylvania’s Advocates for Accessibility is a campus club that works to support the inclusion of students and faculty with disabilities. The club originally was founded through a Student Government Association project by co-founder Abby Muncy. She discussed that, “We were noticing holes of accessibility on campus.” Muncy elaborated that after the initial project of working on campus handicap buttons and classroom accommodations, she realized that these projects were going to become an ongoing task, and needed a club.
During a typical TAA meeting, members discuss potential issues that have been recognized on campus and what the organization wants to work on going forward. Beyond the monthly meetings, the organization puts together educational events that discuss accessibility and how to be an advocate. Muncy explained how “Accessibility impacts so many people in different ways. Another important thing we’ve learned through starting our organization is that in reality, accessibility helps everyone.” Muncy also emphasized the importance of the club’s voice for everyone on campus. She noted “We are very aware of the problems we have and communicate with other students and faculty. We don’t only serve as a voice for the students but also for professors and faculty.”
Muncy described the success of the club so far, and how they have made the process of receiving classroom accommodations more equitable. She mentioned the addition of Transylvania’s accessibility coordinator and how that makes any student’s process feel more professional and confidential. The club has worked with the accessibility office to educate the faculty members about accessibility. They are currently working on getting accessibility maps for campus to show students and staff what buildings are accessible. Muncy described how the organization has attempted to make building adjustments such as adding another Crimson Card scanner for Carpenter Academic Building. While the additional scanner would lead to stairs, it would lessen traffic through the accessible entrance to make it easier for those who need to use it. However, building adjustments prove to be difficult due to money and University constraints.
Progress has been made for an accessibility cart for the Library, where students will be able to check out noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, hand sanitizer, and accessibility maps. Muncy exclaims, “I want people on campus to be more aware of accessibility and how it impacts everyone.” Transylvania’s Advocates for Accessibility is here to listen to any concerns for issues on campus and advocate. Meetings are open and anyone is welcome to join.
