Going Up? Elevators in Cade still inoperable

When was the last time you took the elevator to the second or third floor of the library? If you can’t remember or even relate to the concept, you are not alone. Students have been taking the stairs up for a few years now.
There are various components that contribute to the weight of the issue, but one main focal point is that students with physical impairments are unable to access the resources on the upper levels of the library by themselves.
The second and third floors of the library holds a large bulk of the tangible resources that the library has to offer. These are resources that students, like Sophomore, Israel Moore, cannot access. Moore is not able to retrieve all of the information because he cannot walk up the stairs.
When asked how he felt about the circumstances, Moore said, “It’s difficult not being able to access the second floor because sometimes the printers on the first floor aren’t working, and that makes it difficult for someone like me to get the things that I need”. He went on to further say, “Southern is a great school, and I’m lucky to have found great friends and teacher, but what if people were rude, and didn’t want to help me?”.
The sincerity and concern that Moore conveys matches that of many other students around campus as well. Even students that are capable of accessing the upper levels in the library have concerns. Senior, Jawara Brown says, “I am a senior, and I can’t remember the last time the elevators were working. I’m not disabled, but it’s sad because it can be an inconvenience if the first floor isn’t open or is crowded. This matter should’ve been taken care of by now”.
Brown and many of his peers share the same transgressions, but are constantly wondering what those in charge have to say about the matter.
Emma Perry is the Dean of Libraries here at Southern University, and she is well aware of each concern from students, faculty, and staff members. Perry’s goal is to reassure each student that all concerns regarding the library are a priority of hers personally.
When asked how she feels about the disabled students being unable to access the library fully, Perry said, “In terms of those with disabilities, they have not suffered in terms of getting resources and services that they need because everyone that works in the library knows that if a disabled person need something, they are to help them”. While her words are reassuring, students remain skeptical about an actual solution being offered.
Perry went on to offer her final word of peace that she predicts the elevators will be up and running for the start of Spring 2017.
Will they really? We’ll find out in the Spring.