Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - For years, Oregon State University students who use wheelchairs frequently had to arrange their own transportation for field trips and other activities because the university didn't have a wheelchair-accessible vehicle in its motor pool.

No longer. The university worked with R&J Mobility Service, Inc., in Independence, Ore., to modify one of the Ford F-350 vans in its motor pool, according to Prudence Miles, assistant director of Affirmative Action at OSU.

"It has always been a need," Miles said. "Most of the time the van will be assigned to ASOSU Saferide, a campus program that provides a safe ride home for students at night. But it also can be used by students and faculty for classes, field trips and other academic purposes."

The university chose to retrofit one of its existing vans rather than purchase a new van because of the expense. The recently converted eight-passenger van can transport two persons in wheelchairs plus four other passengers; or one person in a wheelchair and six other passengers, Miles said.

Stacy Thomsen, the executive director of external development and services for the Associated Students of OSU (ASOSU), said her organization was a strong proponent for acquiring a van that passes American Disabilities Act standards.

"I can see it getting used often by different student groups, academic classes and Saferide," said Thomsen. "OSU has never had an opportunity available to students and faculty like this before and I'm excited that ASOSU, Affirmative Action and the Motor Pool could come together to make it happen."

Ed Vnenchak, manager of the OSU Motor Pool, is developing a training protocol for students and faculty who check out the van.

The project another step toward making the OSU campus more accessible, Miles said.

"We get a little bit better every year," she pointed out. "We're getting more automatic doors to replace the big fire doors in old buildings. But we still have challenges. There are a few old structures with no elevators, and some cracked, uneven sidewalks that make it difficult for persons in wheelchairs.

"This new van is yet another move in the right direction."