Mon. Dec 9th, 2024

Breaking News: Accessibility Challenges at Unitec and University of Auckland for Wheelchair Users

[Image: A wheelchair user trying to navigate through the Unitec Waitakere Campus]

Breaking news: Accessibility remains a major challenge at Unitec Waitakere Campus and University of Auckland, hindering the academic journey for wheelchair users.

As a prospective student planning to attend a bridging program at one of these institutions, it is essential to understand the level of accessibility and the challenges you might face. In this breaking news piece, we will delve into the accessibility of these institutions and provide advice on how wheelchair users can navigate their academic path successfully.

Unitec Waitakere Campus Accessibility

Unfortunately, Unitec Waitakere Campus has been reported to have some accessibility issues. Despite having an official accessibility policy, some wheelchair users have expressed frustration with the campus infrastructure. Here are some specific issues that have been reported:

  1. Uneven pathways: Some walkways and pathways within the campus have uneven surfaces, making it difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
  2. Limited elevators: Not all buildings have elevators, forcing wheelchair users to take the stairs, which is a significant accessibility issue.
  3. Inadequate signage: Inconsistent and poorly marked accessible routes can confuse wheelchair users, making it difficult for them to reach their destinations.

University of Auckland Accessibility

The University of Auckland has a more comprehensive accessibility plan, with a dedicated accessibility office. However, some wheelchair users have still reported some accessibility issues:

  1. Poorly designed buildings: Some of the older buildings within the campus have inadequate ramps or stairs, making it challenging for wheelchair users to access certain areas.
  2. Accessibility parking: Limited parking spots and inconsistent availability of accessible parking areas can make it difficult for wheelchair users to reach their destinations.
  3. Unclear accessibility information: Wheelchair users have reported difficulty in finding clear accessibility information about the campus, making it harder to plan their day.

Advice for Wheelchair Users Planning to Attend a Bridging Program

While Unitec and University of Auckland have made efforts to improve accessibility, it is essential for wheelchair users to prepare themselves for any potential challenges:

  1. Research and planning: Plan your route in advance and research accessibility information about the campus, including walkways, elevators, and accessibility parking.
  2. Communication with staff: Communicate your needs with staff members and Accessibility Services to ensure you receive the support you require.
  3. Equipment and services: Familiarize yourself with accessible equipment and services available on campus, such as wheelchair-accessible desks or assistive technology.

Accessibility Services and Resources

Unitec Waitakere Campus and University of Auckland both offer Accessibility Services and resources to support students with disabilities:

  1. Unitec AccessAbility: Offers a range of services, including mobility parking permits and assistive technology.
  2. University of Auckland Accessibility Services: Provides individualized support, including accommodation services and assistive technology.

In conclusion, while accessibility remains a challenge at Unitec Waitakere Campus and University of Auckland, wheelchair users can take proactive steps to prepare themselves and ensure a smoother academic journey. By doing their research and planning ahead, wheelchair users can successfully navigate the bridging program and achieve their academic goals.

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I’m thinking of applying to Auckland University to do a Tertiary Foundation Certificate or Unitec for a bridging course, but would love to get some information on accessibility of the campuses/surrounding areas before going through the process of applying — and I’d love any advice or input from people who have done bridging courses aswell!

I didn’t finish high school due to chronic illness and had to leave in person schooling and swap to Te Kura. Thanks to diagnosis and treatment, I’ve improved and considered returning to high school in person but I was advised by someone at the Ministry of Education that it would likely be easier for me to go through a bridging program instead, so I would like to gather some more information about that. I don’t know if it’s relevant but I’m 17 turning 18 in October.

My family members all went through the traditional route of NCEA (or other country equivalent, we moved here from Singapore) and then straight into a Bachelors degree and that has always been the only path presented to me, so I didn’t even know alternative educational pathways were a thing until recently.

I know Auckland Uni is located in the city but I haven’t been there basically at all, but I’ve heard it’s quite hilly, and also apparently impossible to get into the city sometimes. I have seen lots of news about gridlocks and jams heading in or out and also difficult to navigate, my family hates driving into the city because of the one way roads, bus lanes, confusing signs etc.

Unitec’s bridging courses are very career specific and don’t leave much wiggle room. I would prefer to do a bridging course like the TFC program at UoA that gives me more time to consider my options and open up more possibilities. I know I want to go into something related to health sciences or medicine but I don’t have the physical ability to go into nursing, so either it would be Unitec Level 3 Certficate in Study and Career Prep towards Medical Imaging or UoA TFC Science Pathway.

I’m wondering from anyone who has attended these schools, how did you feel about accessibility? Would it have been hard to navigate as a wheelchair user? And what transport did you take to and from these campuses, and was it difficult or?



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