YSU Stage was set for disabled graduates

The new ramped stage will become a permanent part of YSU's commencement activities.YOUNGSTOWN -- When the college journey ends and graduation comes, having the dean step off the stage at commencement to hand you your diploma just isn't quite right.
For Albert Gibbs, a Youngstown State University senior who has used a wheelchair for the past 14 years, crossing the stage and receiving that hard-earned document is part of the college experience that all students deserve.
"It's a matter of pride," said Gibbs, 42, of Youngstown. "You feel much better about yourself to go across the stage and do the same thing everybody else is doing."
Gibbs got that opportunity Sunday afternoon at YSU's fall commencement in Beeghly Physical Education Center.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of several university officials, a ramped staged has been installed for the commencement ceremonies.
For the first time at YSU, all graduates, including students with disabilities, will be able to cap off their college careers by going up on stage to receive their diplomas and have their pictures taken with the dean of their college.
"Any student with a disability deserves equal access like any other student receiving a diploma," said Jain Savage, coordinator of disability services at YSU.
Past practice
Gibbs, who suffered spinal cord injuries in a car accident in 1988, said Savage made him aware of the fact that, in the past, students with disabilities were unable to go up on stage because there were three to four steps leading to the platform. Instead, university officials came off the stage to present diplomas to graduates with disabilities.
As his commencement date approached, Gibbs said he felt something should be done to accommodate everyone.
"I didn't realize until I got closer to graduating that there wasn't a ramp leading to the stage," said Gibbs, who will receive a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. "It started out as just an idea. Jain Savage ... put a buzz in my head about it, so I said, 'Why not?'"
Savage consulted with John Hyden, director of facilities, and John Habat, vice president for administration. The ramped stage was ordered from North Coast Theatrical Co. in Akron and will become a permanent part of YSU commencement activities.
"President [David] Sweet emphasized diversity and now we are becoming proactive in this manner," Savage said.
Making strides
Gibbs, who is married with a 23-year old daughter, said his overall experience at YSU has been positive, and the university is making strides to improve facilities to accommodate everyone.
"As far as accessibility, there are some spots that need improvement, but it's a lot better than when I started here," said Gibbs, who currently is doing an internship at the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center.
Cindy Helton, a staff member in the university's events management office, said accessibility for students with disabilities at commencement has been a concern for more than a decade.
"It's been discussed and discussed for years," she said. "It just got to the point where we said, 'OK, we need to get this done.'"