Welcoming SAS to RSU!
On January 22, the BSU community gathered outside the new Student Accessibility Service’s (SAS) office in the Rondileau Student Union as the SAS team and other guests like Fred Clark cut the ribbon and opened the doors. From the bright colors, to the flexible seating, to the warm and welcoming atmosphere, SAS is the new office to check out. The Comment met with Jenna Shales (she/her), the Director of Student Accessibility Services, to talk more about the office.
“Our primary responsibility is to make sure that students with disabilities that feel like they need accommodations or other supports can get those through our office.” Shales told The Comment.
SAS supports around 1,200 students a year – about 10% of the students on campus. Additionally, SAS focuses a great deal about creating accessible environments across campus. The new office itself was built to be completely accessible. From extra wide doorways, to flexible seating, to adjustable desks, the office is completely accessible to all.
The new office goes above and beyond to what are considered federal standards, which Shales is proud of. “There’s a difference between compliant and truly accessible.”
Before moving onto the first floor of Rondileau Student Union (RSU) , SAS was located in the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) on the ground floor of the library. While the location made sense, the lack of visibility was not ideal. Being located in a building like RSU, where major student groups live, SAS now welcomes more and more students everyday. “Being here at the center of the student experience is so amazing,” said Shales. “We’re visible, and we’re proud.”
If you are interested to learn more about Student Accessibility Services, you can visit the SAS BridgeNet site on the BSU website. For more information regarding the office, cool events, and more, you can follow SAS on Instagram at sas_bsu.
