Disabled Class Commute Through Construction

Photo by Ryan Jacobson on Unsplash

Are you a student with a disability? Are you currently or looking to enroll into Gulf Coast State College? Hello, my name is Luke Fulton. I am a disabled student currently enrolled and taking in-person classes at Gulf Coast full-time. Here is some information that is good to know to move in between buildings faster. Right now, the campus is under so much construction it could be hard to navigate to your class efficiently, even if you get help from student services. The walk itself from one class to another could be extended by 15 minutes.

If you spot any staff driving a golf cart do not be afraid to ask if you can catch a ride. Some staff do this already, I was spotted drudging to my class and moving slower than usual because I trip over my own feet. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders when I heard someone shout: “Excuse me, do you need a ride anywhere?” I was going to be late but not with this divine intervention.

With all the construction going on, workers fence places off, and it cuts all shortcuts to buildings off. For me, I have recently regained my ability to drive so parking on the correct side of campus helps so much. Once class is over, I can pull out of my spot in front of my building and move as close as possible to my next building with disabled parking. However, depending on the time of day, parking could be a nightmare so get the wins where you can. Another trick is planning. If I take my commute to school early, it gives me time to walk around leisurely. Yes, I would have to wake up early and I might be the first to the classroom, but I would rather take that over missing out on a lecture I can’t replicate online.

Hypothetically speaking, if you have a class in the Hilton building, then right after you have a class in the Arts building (opposite sides of campus) you would have to slightly run to make it on time. For the people who can’t run, (me) I would have to suck it up and be late. Even with student services potentially giving me a pass to be late, I would still miss out on information pertaining to my subject. With everything I do here, I have not shown my face to the student services because I don’t need them to help me around campus. Not that these people aren’t capable, but because I can plan effectively. This is my second semester here and I have never been late to a class period after doing all this.