Riley drives for accessibility |
| Posted by Administrator on Apr 29 2009 at 3:26 PM |
Photo courtesy of Kevin Whetsone
Riley was among the UNK students and faculty who crossed a bridge during the Second Annual Ability March in November 2008. About 15 people came out to brave the cold and raise awareness for those with disabilities. The event was the first of many that took place throughout the week for UNK's 15th annual DisABILITY Awareness Week.
By Matt Tomjack
Guest Writer
Wake up an hour earlier than everyone else so you can make it to class just in time? Take 10 minutes to get out of bed on your own? Have to go through your daily routine from the seat of a scooter? Are your feet swollen today? If so, then no need for shoes. They won't fit anyway.
This is Shane Riley's reality every morning.
Fortunately for the disabled on campus, UNK has a band of students fighting to make it easier for those who do have to face challenges because of a handicap.
Collegians for Integration and Accessibility (CIA), a pro-action organization, works to make positive changes for students with disabilities. Shane Riley, a junior history and geography major from Arapahoe, is the current president of CIA, and has strived to make the group a top organization on campus.
"The CIA has run into roadblocks when trying to get different buildings on campus accessible. We do understand the funding has to be there, but it is extremely difficult for us to get the idea in the future plans," Riley said.
Riley said the CIA started about 15 years ago. "It died out until 2001 when Patrick Christiansen, the man who got me involved, restarted the organization."
Since its rebirth, the CIA has grown to over 75 members and celebrates both accomplishments and hardships as a solid, productive group.
With only one year left at UNK, Riley continues to fight for change. When asked what he would like to see in the future, the reply was simple. "I hope CIA will make this campus, as a whole, accessible to all individuals." The goal, he said, is for each class, building and event to be pre-accommodated for all.
Last year, the CIA staged a silent protest at the Black Box Theater in the Fine Arts Building. The protest led to the theater being closed for future productions due to its handicap inaccessibility. According to Riley, the Fine Arts Department is planning on adding a ramp to the theater during the summer of 2009.
It was the university's willingness to make places accessible that led Riley to UNK.
"I met with a few universities, but UNK was the only one that took me seriously. They were willing to help me with my accessibility needs that others would not. Other universities in the state weren't willing to give me any help," he said.
