So Much More To Do

I was both pleased with the achievements of students with disabilities and disappointed about those experiencing access issues. This implies that there are few, if any, administrators, faculty, or staff with solvable disabilities issues at Princeton.

Starting in 1985 with the incredible advocacy and assistance of Dr. Ruth Simmons, other administrators, faculty, staff, and students, my late daughter Mia, blind since the age of 3, was able to navigate the campus, the classroom, and the town. Yet she had devastating social isolation on weekends, alone in her dorm room during her first year on campus. In her junior year, with faculty encouragement, she was part of an all-disabilities theater group. One of the recurring themes was, “Let us succeed, but please don’t say, ‘You inspire us.’”

Even the most classic, cherished historic buildings can be modified for accommodation. This should be a requisite discussion about campus values. Surprisingly, 37 years later, while much has been achieved, there is still so much more to accomplish.