Hello my fellow neighbors of Beaufort and surrounding counties,

I am a student at Beaufort County Community College (BCCC). I am also blind. I am writing to share some ideas for your consideration as you cast your vote on the bond referendum on the March 15 ballot.

Throughout one’s day at school or work, a lot of mobility is involved. However, some things that seem insignificant to you mean a world of difference to someone with a disability. For example, with me being blind, I could not attend school without the Beaufort Area Transit System.

In the five years I have attended BCCC (I am almost done), I have met many people who are either blind or use a cane, walker or wheelchair. We all have great things to say about BCCC and the instructors and staff, who go above and beyond to help us succeed.

With that said, this bond will help provide the money not only to grow the college’s facilities, but also to provide things that will help with our mobility needs, such as tactile strips in the asphalt at driveway crossings. These strips help blind students like me cross the roads on campus. Signs work well for people who can see, but blind individuals need some texture to guide them across the street safely. The bond would also fund wheelchair ramps at sidewalk crossings and speed bumps near street crossings to slow traffic.

Another safety factor concerns the exits of the buildings. Handicapped-accessible doors are now available, but there is a need for more. An accessible door is wider than a regular door and opens mechanically by pushing a button near it. From a safety perspective, in the case of a fire, if someone in a wheelchair is alone, this would make for a quick exit. Adding these safety features would greatly improve our independence and mobility around campus.

These improvements would only add to the quality of education and support offered by Beaufort County Community College. This beautiful college has provided the opportunity for a higher education for everyone, including people with disabilities. I invite everyone to come see it for yourself. Your vote for the bond referendum will help make BCCC even more accessible to people like me.

 

Sincerely,

Lee Brame
Blounts Creek

 

Note: The Beaufort Area Transit System (BATS) is not part of Beaufort County Community College and, therefore, will not receive any additional funding through the Connect NC bond.