UQ students' efforts improve disability services

The determination of three students with disabilities has generated improvements to Emmanuel College's services to students in wheelchairs.

First-year student Vicki Field's efforts to improve transport services for the College's three students using wheelchairs paid off when the State Government this year gave the College $8000 to convert its bus for wheelchair use.

'The College has been very supportive and encouraged my involvement in seeking external funding for the conversion,' Ms Field said.

Ms Field approached College student counsellor Jan Edmonds last year about her desire to participate in Emmanuel excursions that involved using the 12-seater bus.

They applied to the Gaming Machine Community Benefit Fund set up by the Treasury Department, and the conversion was completed in March.

'This application process and the conversion of the bus has empowered our students with disabilities,' Mrs Edmonds said.

Ms Field's science studies at the University were interrupted after a motor vehicle accident left her a paraplegic and with limited use of her hands in mid-1994.

She returned to the University in 1996 to continue science but this year began studying for a law/business management combined degree.

'I realised that working in a laboratory would be difficult with my disability but I wanted to continue studying at the University,' she said.

A separate initiative by Emmaunuel residents and third-year students Michele Furlong (arts) and Ben Lawson (science) will provide safer wheelchair access to local shops at the St Lucia Village.

The Brisbane City Council approved the upgrade in November after 10 months of negotiations with the College and the students.

The upgrade, expected to be completed in April, includes wheelchair access ramps across Upland Road, a new concrete path on the residential side of Upland to Boomerang Roads and widening of existing concrete paths along the College side of Upland to Boomerang Roads.

Ms Furlong said the upgrade would benefit Emmanuel students in wheelchairs as well as the wider student and St Lucia community.

She said the upgrade would increase her independence and safety.

For more information, contact Emmanuel College (telephone 07 3871 9100).