Kent State’s Office of University Architect instituted a project Sept. 21 to update accessibility access for buildings on the main campus.

Michael Bruder, executive director of facility, planning and design, said the $1,700,000 project aims to make sure that every building’s entrance is equipped with at least one accessible entrance with auto operators.

“We try to make our campus as accessible as possible. Some of our academic buildings don’t have auto operators,” Bruder said. “We want to improve the usability for students with disabilities.”

This project includes Bowman Hall, the Business Administration Building, Cartwright Hall, The Child Development Center, Franklin Hall, Henderson Hall, the Center for the Performing Arts, Kent Hall and South Wing, the library, Liquid Crystal Materials Science Building, Lowry Hall, Mathematical Sciences Building, McGilvrey Hall, M.A.C. Center, Merrill Hall, Moulton Hall, Nixson Hall, Ritchie Hall, Rockwell Hall, Satterfield Hall and White Hall.

The idea for the improvements came about through Student Accessibility Services.

“Based on the work of one of the sub-committees, the larger committee recommended general improvements to all buildings for first floor handicapped access,” said Amy Quillin, director of SAS.

Joseph Graham, associate director of architecture and engineering, said the project will include new technologies that will be in compliance and go beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Buildings, like McGilvery Hall, didn’t have the headend equipment; you will see a key card and Proximity added to those buildings,” Graham said.

The Proximity hardware that operates the system can also be applied to older buildings that present challenges to moving traffic.

In addition, this hardware also provides the ability to allow authorized personnel to enter a building when it’s closed.

The technology that is planned to be implemented is a higher level of security.

Graham said he believes despite Kent State’s “rolling terrain” that may present minor challenges to accessibility, when considering all buildings and the campus environment, having a committee of people with a focus in addressing accessibility certainly puts Kent State at the forefront of a higher standard in accommodating all disabilities.

“Our campus is looking forward, instead of being reactionary, in making our campus accessible to everyone,” Graham said.

Tianyu Yang is the grounds reporter, contact him at [email protected].