Protesters demand UNC-Chapel Hill address lack of accessibility for wheelchair users

Disabled students are calling on the university to improve accessibility for those who use a wheelchair.

She has been advocating for change since the incident, but says she doesn't feel like the university is listening to her concerns.

"Collectively coming together as a student body is crucial," she said. "Showing them that we're not backing down, so if we don't get any action steps, this will continue."

Students with disabilities spoke out about their traumatic experiences with the university. Many students expressed concerns about being able to study in the university's libraries, finding on-campus housing that was suitable for them, going to sporting events and getting to class on time.

One student in a wheelchair, Sarah, said she was unable to go to her dorm after the elevator broke. Several students expressed concerns about being late to class, or not being able to make it to class at all, due to elevators being broken.

"Disabled students don't want ground floor dorms. Disabled students need ground floor dorms," Sarah said.

Sarah began to cry while speaking at the protest on Wednesday. She said she lost her scholarship after having a stroke and taking medical leave for a semester.

"Not having what I need to be successful at Carolina is so disheartening as a first-year student, being told that I would have what I needed," said another student in a wheelchair named Eleanor.

A spokesperson for the university said that officials "remain committed to creating a safe and accessible campus and acknowledge out work is ongoing."

Saavedra Forero said Wednesday that while the university has been asking for her input on how to make the campus more accessible, they are slow to act.

Eleanor said that no matter how many times she has brought up concerns to the university, they have failed to her.

"I want this administration to treat me as if my experience and perspective matters," she said. "I've dedicated so many hours of meeting with this administration for nothing to be done."

One alumnus, who is also a wheelchair user, expressed frustration that the university fails to address the same issues that were there when she was a student.

A university spokesperson told WRAL News that students can be assured "their voices and concerns play an integral part in the process. We too want to create an environment on our campus where no one is left behind.”