Residence Life confirms quarantine spaces will be accessible

by JOSEPHINE JOHNSON

News Editor

Although accessible dorms for quarantine will be made available, currently, the buildings reserved for quarantine pose accessibility problems for students with mobility impairments.

Dave Fleming, assistant dean of Residence Life confirmed that there will be options for all students.

“We are working on finalizing some details with regard to ensuring there are also accessible spaces available for quarantine,” said Fleming. “We are not able to release specific information quite yet as it may impact a handful of students, and we want to provide them the courtesy of individual notification before we publicize additional spaces.”

According to the #forwardUMW plan, “students who are determined to be close contacts of confirmed positive cases will be expected to quarantine in single quarantine rooms if they live residentially.”

Residential students may also elect to quarantine in their own homes.  

Marshall Hall, Custis Hall and South Hall are reserved for as-needed areas for quarantine this fall. The lack of easy accessibility in the planned quarantine halls is not cause for concern, according to the Office of Disability Resources.

“We were not consulted directly about this decision; however, we have worked very hard over the past several years to develop strong partnerships across campus, including training and professional development for staff on accessibility,” said Jessica Machado, director of Disability Resources. “I’m confident that the decision was made by individuals who care strongly about Access for All and strive to promote it.” 

“We continue to explore a variety of both on-campus and off-campus options for additional quarantine space,” said Fleming.