Navigating BracU: A closer look toward inclusive access on campus 

Navigating the university campus can be a challenge, but for students using wheelchairs, accessibility is a daily concern. This issue was brought into focus by an interview with Nazifa Anzum (Sophomore, ENH). While she notes that the new campus is more accessible than the previous one, she also highlighted several ongoing challenges that impact students who use wheelchairs or are unable to walk.

One significant issue is the limited access to certain floors. According to Nazifa, the 3rd floor is inaccessible by lift for students using wheelchairs, meaning they are “being deprived” of key resources like Career Consultation and Counselling. She also mentioned that popular student spaces, such as the rooftop on the 14th floor, are inaccessible to her and other students who use wheelchairs. She shared,

“I see students take so many beautiful pictures in the grass area of the rooftop but, we can’t go there,”

Nazifa also talked about the difficulties of her daily commute on campus. She explained that she has to always move fast in between classes and that sometimes the lifts are closed for guests, which makes it very difficult to get to her classes. Despite these challenges, she praised the BracU staff and faculty, who have always been helpful in assisting her.

Looking ahead, Nazifa hopes for improvements to make the campus more inclusive. She believes that dedicated elevators for students with disabilities would greatly improve their experience. Furthermore, she expressed a desire for sensor-oriented facilities to help blind students navigate the campus. Nazifa also hopes to see better accessibility in key areas like the theatre rooms, auditoriums, and libraries. Her insights were really helpful in addressing the need for continuous efforts to ensure that all students have equal access to campus life and resources.