Bok Releases Guide for Disabled

President Bok yesterday released a guide to University programs for persons with disabilities and announced an endowment drive for building renovations. However, students with disabilities at the Faculty Club ceremony said that Harvard could do more.

Bok said that the guide, which outlines disparate University programs for the disabled community, is essential "in a large and confusing University." Bok made his short speech before invited staff and students at a reception at the club.

The 44-page handbook, entitled "Resources for Persons with Disabilities" contains information about services including tutors, special examination procedures and building modifications for staff, students and faculty with disabilities. Ginny Thornburgh, coordinator of University programs for the disabled, prepared the guide.

Bok also announced that Harvard has begun a capital drive to raise funds for renovations to make the University "use-friendly to people with handicaps." In the past, students have complained that only a fraction of the houses are wheelchair-accessible, most of them at the Radcliffe Quad.

Also, they say that few classrooms in the Yard can be negotiated via wheelchair.

"We have, for the first time, made a substantial effort to raise a large endowment" to improve the University's accessibility, Bok said. He said he has recently met with potential donors and is optimistic about the likelihood that a fund will be established soon. Bok did not say what size the endowment would be.

But Kaaryn S. Gustafson '90, who received a handbook at the ceremony, said she doubted that the booklet's publication signalled a change in University policy toward the disabled.

"I don't know if this book is going to make any difference," she said. The accessibility of campus buildings "could be much improved."

Gustafson, who uses a wheelchair, complained last year after being forced to live in a wheelchair-accessible suite in Leverett House despite her assignment to Adams House. The University committed funds to renovate her designated house, where she now lives.

Gustafson said it can be difficult to find staff who will see that necessary improvements are made. "When there's a problem, people say "It's not my responsibility," she said.

She added that she found residential buildings and towers particularly inaccessible, at least in part. "The elevator in new Leverett stops on every other floor," she said.

But Gustafson said the University's recent establishment of a permanent, full-time coordinator of programs for the disabled may solve some of the problems.

Cara A. Dunne '92, a blind student, said the University fails to provide adequate braille signs in buildings and elevators. "It's very basic, but somebody has got to think of it and plan it," she said.

Dunne is currently working with University officials to identify places where braille signs are needed.