During January of 2012, I was just like every other high school senior — searching for the ideal college.
I had already toured three colleges, but they just weren’t suitable for me. I knew that if I couldn’t navigate Lipscomb easily with my wheelchair and scooter, I was out of luck.
My spirits were lifted once I saw this campus. It is mostly flat; the sidewalks are smooth and there are ramps everywhere. My college-searching prayers were answered and the campus has served me well throughout my time here.
Fanning Hall
Grade: A
I stayed here my freshman year. Overall, Fanning is handicap-friendly. I had no trouble moving around.
My only suggestion would be to add an elevator so those with a handicap could access each floor. I was lucky enough to have a friend help me get up the stairs. She would scoop me up and off we went.
Johnson Hall
Grade: A
I’ve called Johnson home for the past three years and have loved every minute of it. The size of my room is just perfect for me; I have plenty of room for my bed, sofa and places to park my wheelchair and scooter while still having space to move comfortably.
One of the best things about Johnson is the large elevator, which allows me to go visit all of my friends. The openness of Johnson allows me to go wherever I please without obstacles, which is very nice.
Bennett Campus Center
Grade: A –
The moment that I saw the big ramp leading into the student center, I knew that I would be heading to Lipscomb in the fall. The button by the door was an added bonus. I love the student center because the restaurants, the bathrooms, everything is easy to access.
I have one suggestion — there needs to be a ramp in Shamblin for me and other handicap students to get down to the bottom level. Although there is a side entrance for me to access the main floor, there’s no way to get down to the lower part.
Collins Alumni Auditorium/Burton
Grade: A
Since Collins has a stair entrance, I have to go around to the side through Burton, which is not a problem. There’s even a handy handicap button. The elevator is also nice and large. In the auditorium, there’s a handicap section that makes it easy for me to park and enjoy whatever event is happening.
Ezell Center
Grade: A –
I’d say that Ezell is one of my favorite buildings on campus. It has large classrooms, accessible restrooms and two elevators — which is nice to have if one isn’t working properly.
When I’m in class, I can easily park and swivel my scooter to a desk while still having enough room.
My only suggestion is to move the handicap button from the top of the stairs to the bottom of the ramp, where it should be. This would increase accessibility for those who need to use it.
Swang Center
Grade: B
To get into Swang, I have to use the ramp in the back of the building, which is not a problem. I also appreciate the handicap button at the top of the ramp.
Swang is fairly easy to navigate; although the elevator is small, I’m thankful there is one.
One thing that I would tweak about Swang is the size of the bathrooms. The one on the first floor is too confined for me to use. The second floor bathroom is a little bigger, but still a tight squeeze and the door is very heavy.
Beaman Library
Grade: B
I have spent many days and nights working on assignments in Beaman Library; it’s a nice place to be productive. The ramp makes it easy for me to access. I also appreciate the handicap buttons.
The library itself is spacious; I never have to squeeze to get where I need to be. If one adjustment could be made, it would be for the bathrooms to be more accessible. The door is heavy and the handicap stall is barely big enough for my scooter to fit. Still, Beaman Library is a nice place to be.
McFarland/Ward
Grade: C
I have had four classes in McFarland and Ward during my college career. Since the front entrance has steps, I have to go around to the side to get into McFarland. The door is not heavy, so I don’t have a problem opening it. Although, a handicap button would be handy there for those who need it.
The classrooms and restrooms are tight, which makes it challenging to navigate. Luckily, someone has always been there to help me if I need it.
Photo by Brianna Langley