Mary,
Allow me to answer this. Please remember, I am in a wheelchair much (but
not all), of the time, so I speak with some "prejudice" and experience.

This ramp is a remnant of the former west front of the UC. In the old days,
it took me to my truck. While I am not certain, I presume there were
intentions to later extend it to the sidewalk on the south side of the
business. This would be a VERY costly endeavor and it appears it would also
require some replacement of concrete on the sidewalk there. Please remember
that these ramps must be a specific grade (height increase per linear foot
forward), it will require BOTH extensive real estate and cash to connect
with that five foot drop to the street.

We share the budget issues on this campus. MANY things have been delayed
because of budgets.

The UC meets both local and federal code. The fact that this ramp has not
been extended does NOT make it an unsafe emergency egress for me or others
in my situation. True, one in need of true emergency egress would need help
from that point to the street but it is better than a firefighter carrying
you down three flights of stairs. Both are legal, both comply with code,
spirit and intent of the ADA law.

Nor is it offensive to me that the additional money to make that grade and
extension was delayed. That is a fair trade to have extra sections of
Freshman remedial classes, or two extra janitors (just examples). Hard
choices all, but I will vote for choices like this in an instant if it
means we continue our mission. The safe haven remains at the end of this
ramp. I appreciate the efforts made to accommodate all members of this
community.

Jim Bowman; Manager, Student Technology
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Mail Code: 1611
My Office: 423-425-4517         Fax: 423-425-1754
Email: [log in to unmask]
http://www.utc.edu/StudentMicroLabs

Never again can we permit those who have the power to make a difference to
walk away from their responsibilities.


At 01:14 PM 3/17/2005, Mary Coleman wrote:
>Has anyone noticed the handicapped ramp in front the University Center that
>leads to grass and a brick wall? It was obviously made for wheelchairs but
>when you get to the bottom of it there is no place go - no sidewalk.   I
>walked down it myself yesterday.
>
>
>
>I am wondering why it was made?  Maybe the intention is to have a sidewalk
>made at a later date so the handicapped can continue their journey to the
>street.
>
>
>
>Seems kind of awkward to go down the ramp, have a brick wall in front you
>and no side walk.
>
>
>
>Mary