Last week, the Director of Buildings and Grounds, completed a summer-long initiative to install tape, as mandated by The Board of Education and Services for the Blind Program. The tape was added to assist students with vision impairments navigate the school. For example, along the bottom of Morgan’s hallways and staircases.
Gonzalo Carrion, the Director of Buildings and Grounds, is in charge of upgrading and maintaining district facilities, as well as confirming the security of all equipment. He was tasked with supervising the new direction.
“We met with the Superintendent, school administration, and representatives from the BESB program. We walked through the school and identified all the areas that needed to be marked,” said Gonzalo Carrion.
The objective of the tape on the walls is to ensure anyone who needs guidance, is taken care of. When evacuating, specifically in a fire drill the tape “…allows better visibility in the hallways,” Mr. Luther stated. This is one instance in which this could be useful.
This was set by The Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. Having these requirements to maximize safety and accessibility for people with disabilities. Specifically, those with low vision, needing high contrast to increase their vision. This addition is permanent and will be improved in the future. Such as, Carrion still needs to lay floor mats under the AEDs.
Blue tape has been placed on all railings in the school. The blue tape helps distinguish the railings for students who need the high contrasts to see – indicating where the steps and/or obstructions are. This includes the white tape used on the first two and last two stairs. This can actually provide protection, especially for those who have a difficult time seeing.
Not only was tape utilized, but there is an explanation for the color change in the pillars and wall behind the water fountain. Having it painted blue, instead of gray, assists in recognizing specific parts of the building.
Although the chosen tape may appear significant, they have no meaning. The railings were wrapped in blue to reflect the Morgan spirit. The stairs offered only two options: yellow or white. They chose white to keep the theme of school colors.
