When Andrew Fogel made a short film documenting the difficulties physically disabled students face when navigating around campus, he worried his efforts would go unnoticed.
Today, nearly 2,800 people have viewed the video, which is available on YouTube.
The 10-minute documentary is the result of a critical thinking and philosophy project in which students had to bring attention to a social issue.
“I decided that I was going to make a movie illustrating the lack of handicap accessibility at UT,” said Fogel, who has since graduated from UT.
“In addition, I wanted to provide an insight into the world, and difficulties, that only a few live with,” he explained.
The video illustrates UT’s lack of access ramps and accessible doorways.
“UT does not care enough about their students,” Fogel said. “They appear to be handicap accessible, but are truly not.”
Fogel presented his video to the Facilities Management Department in an attempt to increase awareness.
Keith Pounds, director of disability services, took a tour of campus after watching the video.
“I went to areas shown in the film and agree that some aspects don’t make sense, especially the entrance into John Sykes that has no door handle or button,” he said.
Pounds says UT Facilities does everything possible to make sure the campus is accessible for all students.
“As far as I know, UT follows what the ADA requires, but if there’s ever an issue, facilities will bend over backwards,” he said.
Tracy Morse, assistant professor of composition and rhetoric, took interest in the video. She gives her time to disability studies, focusing mainly on the deaf community. But she is passionate about all differences.
“I want to dispel some of the language we use,” said Morse. “Why is there a ‘dis’ in ‘disability’? Why can’t we focus on abilities?”
Morse is glad that the documentary is finally being circulated, but wonders how it will be received.
“I found it interesting and problematic all at the same time,” said Morse. “It’s a question of balance. How do you keep a historical space intact while accommodating the needs of everyone?”
In her initial reactions to the video, Morse commented on its credibility.
“Here’s this guy who’s obviously not disabled going around campus trying to show the difficulties that disabled students face. The problem is that the ‘a-day-in-the-life-of’ perspective is not the same as someone who has dealt with these issues all day, everyday.”
Although she raised concerns, it wasn’t hard for Morse to see value in the video.
“It exposes awareness and educates others on perspectives they don’t have,” she said.
Senior Alexandra Margraf also supports the video’s goals.
“As an advocate for disability awareness and friend of a disabled student, it’s about time this video was made,” Margraf said. “UT administration needs to live up to the promises made in the student handbook. If discrimination of any kind is not tolerated, this campus needs to change.”
Teresa Grettano, visiting instructor of English, was introduced to the video through a former UT student who uses a wheelchair.
“This was really smart,” she said. “It’s a great tool. Not only for disabled students seeking colleges, but it’s an outline for the administration. They need to know what to change.”
The UT community is not alone in responding to the video. Exposure on YouTube has allowed nearly 3,000 viewers from all over the world a chance to sound their voices.
“Very nicely done. I used to bring my physically handicapped friend to my college campus in Rhode Island and it was so annoying to try and get him places,” said one anonymous poster. “What would take me five minutes to get somewhere would take me almost an hour when I bring my friend along. Thank you so much for pointing out those kinds of flaws.”
The campus is now taking notice of the video. Fogel and supporters of his work hope it will evoke thought and make change happen.
“Unfortunately, in today’s society, people [for the most part] only do the right thing after they receive publicity.”