The Facilities Division is planning another survey to investigate handicap accessibility of on-campus buildings.

According to Randy Reggi, construction and renovation design technician for facilities planning and design, a similar survey was conducted in 1996 to determine the need for accessibility-related remodeling and redesigning.

Reggi said the survey included questions based on the American Disability Association and state building codes.

“We set up questions and went from building to building, determining the number of elements of the building that complied with ADA codes and those that did not comply with ADA codes,” he said.

From that survey, Reggi said, the department of facilities made a list of deficiencies.

“That became our project list — our master list,” he said.

In 1996, when the master list was originally created, the price tag for all projects was $16 million, Reggi said.

Ten years later, in 2006, the approximate cost of the projects yet to be finished was $9 million.

He said the money to be put toward the master accessibility list comes from a yearly budget given by the University. He also said the bond project has helped pay for many accessibility projects.

“The bond wiped out a lot of deficiencies itself,” Reggi said. “It took out a huge chunk.”

According to Reggi, the items that remain on the list include replacing or fixing elevators in buildings, improving handicapped accessible paths around campus and renovating bathrooms.

This year, he said, facilities was able to afford nine bathroom renovations, replace some doors and change out hardware in some buildings.

Reggi said the number of projects completed per year depends on the budget and on the cost of the projects. The average number of projects per year is five, he said.

“We take the money we get, and we spread it out to as many projects as possible,” he said. “It all depends on the cost. For instance, a small restroom costs approximately $50,000 to renovate – and that includes making a completely inaccessible bathroom accessible, also including changing floors, walls, all the fixtures.”

Reggi said one of the main projects facilities would like to finish in the future is improving ramps and routes around campus. He said they are focusing particularly on helping handicapped individuals get in and out of the Brickyard.

“With funding, we will be able to provide better accessibility near the west side of the library — up to Founders Drive, and up to the bus stop in front of the library,” he said. “Right now it’s a really steep walk. We’ve done the first section from the Atrium over to Scott Hall. That’s the first phase. The second phase will be from Scott Hall through the green space up to Founders Drive.”

Josh Kirbo, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, said he has noticed accessibility problems around campus, though he said he thinks most buildings are accessible.

“I definitely think some of the areas can be improved pretty simply – just by putting a ramp in certain places could definitely make it a lot easier and quicker for handicapped persons to get around,” Kirbo said.

He noted the area near the Court of North Carolina, near “engineering row” to be a particular tough spot for handicapped individuals.

“There are places over there where there are no ramps – just stairs,” Kirbo said.

Lara Terry, a freshman in sports management, said she thinks campus is somewhat accessible as it is but needs improvement.

“Some of the older buildings need remodeling, as far as accessibility,” Terry said.

She said while accessibility is an important issue on campus, putting more money into the problem is not the way to go.

“I think they could [put] money towards something – there are many things on campus that are more important than that right now,” Terry said.

According to Reggi, a new survey of campus buildings will help facilities rethink its priorities and help spread its budget to improve the worst areas.

“Now, we want to go back and resurvey the buildings and generate an updated list of deficiencies,” he said. “We are still focusing on building improvements and a cross-campus accessibility route.”