Although the 5Cs promote values of equity and diversity, students with physical disabilities face broken elevators, apathetic and unreliable emergency support and inaccessible dorms. Jackie Kostyuchenko PZ ’28, who uses a mobility device, has experienced these failures firsthand. Alongside Zena Almeida-Warwin PO ’28, the two document how institutional negligence affects the daily lives of students with disabilities. They call for concrete reforms: improved infrastructure, better emergency protocols and a 5C-wide reporting system.
Tag: Disability
OPINION: Wheelchair users must be better represented at the 5Cs
In order to be a more inclusive environment, the 5Cs must recognize diversity of ability and provide better accessibility, writes Max Zonana PO ’26.
OPINION: The 5Cs should have a department for disability studies
OPINION: The 5Cs should provide students with the opportunity to major or minor in disability studies, says Luciénne Reyes PZ ’24.
OPINION: We need to consider marginalized communities in the decision to return to campus
As the 5Cs discuss options for returning to campus, Aleja Hertzler-McCain PO ’21 urges them to consider marginalized communities nearby.
OPINION: Disability ‘access’ is not enough
Even when the Claremont Colleges are physically accessible — and they’re definitely not — physical accessibility isn’t enough to include disabled students.
OPINION: Let’s prioritize accessibility when designing buildings
Claremont needs to keep accessibility and the needs of disabled community members in mind when designing and implementing building plans.
OPINION: Disability support goes beyond accommodations
Even though the Colleges provide accommodations for disabled students, the lack of any sort of disability cultural programming is alienating.
OPINION: It’s the cheating that’s the problem, not the accommodations
In the wake of multiple indictments and plea deals concerning a college admissions cheating ring, it’s important to remember that the disability accommodations system isn’t to blame.
5C group tackles disability issues and works to build allies
The Disability Illness and Difference Alliance, a 5C group for disabled students and their allies, aims to promote awareness surrounding disability issues.