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While @EthicalStudents are doing the incredibly important work of addressing the public safety nightmare of the @AAMC_MCAT, let's also talk about accessibility in the testing centers!
Starting point: elevators are not enough. 1/
Starting point: elevators are not enough. 1/
Problem 1 at my testing center: the only door options were a revolving door and a heavy non-automatic one. This is not accessible. For those saying "but someone could help open the door," remember: autonomy is a key part of accessibility. 2/
Problem 2: the bathroom door was heavy and non-automatic, so while pushing it open to get inside *might* have been possible for someone using a wheelchair or mobility aid, pulling it open to get back out would have been a nightmare. 3/
Problem 3: the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom was not automated (which, why??) and was SO high up on the wall (also, why??). Problem 4: ALL the doors in the testing rooms were pull-down handles that opened into the room which...see #2. 4/
Problem 5: No Braille anywhere except the elevator buttons. Lots and lots and lots of signs, not an accessible one anywhere. Problem 6: Signing in at the front desk meant one of those immensely high tables (why are they so high, I'm 5'3' and had to stand on my toes). 5/
My point? Accessibility is more than an elevator. I asked someone who to talk to about accessibility issues and they said "what?" and then when I explained said "but you don't use a wheelchair" and when I said that wasn't the point said "well it's the building, not us." 6/
Which is true, which is WHY there should be accessible information about WHO to discuss accessibility concerns with, and furthermore, businesses like @PearsonVUE should not enter contracts with inaccessible buildings. 7/
All of this is to say go forth and follow disabled people on Twitter who have been writing about this and so much more, hire disabled architects/planners/consultants so flaws like this do not get built into our cities, and if you see accessibility concerns, report them! 8/
Final point: I did find the information of the property manager of the building itself, and I am waiting for a call back or a response to my email. But it should not have needed to be an investigative journey. Accessibility needs to be a starting point, not an afterthought. Fin.
