Current Release: September 11th, 2007 | Vol. XXIV Iss. 10

Handicap buttons are causing trouble

By Jennifer Valentine

javalentine@vwc.edu

Virginia Wesleyan College makes efforts to serve its handicap students, including 14 handicap doors on campus.

Recently, a handicap door located in Village II stopped functioning.

“They break all the time and for various reasons,” said David Hopper, director of the physical plant. “Most of the time, they’re radio controlled electronic devices and they malfunction due to wear and tear.”

Such wear and tear includes students using their feet to press the buttons, which only requires a gentle touch.

When buttons break, the physical plant checks the batteries, which is often the solution to the problem. However, if that doesn’t work, the plant calls Allied Door Controls and Glass, a door company that they use exclusively, according to Hopper.

“When we call a door company, they’re timely, usually within the same day” said Hopper. However, if a door needs to be replaced, it will be a few days lead time, said Hopper. In these instances, the door is propped open.

Concerning broken buttons, physical plant may be alerted through students or building managers who may notice them and report them. However, the maintenance staff checks the buttons every other day at least.

“When maintenance check their building,” said Hopper, “they’re supposed to check their door. All you can do is push the button and change the batteries.”

The handicap doors are hi-priority, said Hopper, and need to be in working order all the time.