A first-year UNC-Chapel Hill student is working to reduce accessibility barriers on campus for disabled students when there's an emergency.
Kira Tiller, the founder of Virginia-based nonprofit , said the lack of emergency preparedness really affects people with all different types of disabilities.
鈥淔or example, with me, with my epilepsy, the flashing lights are a trigger,鈥� she said. 鈥淔or somebody who may have a sensory disability or who may be neurodivergent and sensitive to loud sounds, the sound of the alarm may be triggering for them.鈥�
Tiller said it's complex for disabled students to have emergency plans on campus, adding one issue UNC has is that the university currently isn't equipped with evacuation chairs in every building.
鈥淔or example, like emergency evacuation chairs can be used for students with mobility disabilities, especially if they're, you know, not on the first floor during an emergency and the elevator breaks,鈥� she said.
Tiller said that, for now, she will continue gathering data to discover more ways to help disabled students on campus at UNC.
Meanwhile, the Virginia native is also working with lawmakers there to help with tailored emergency plans in K-12 schools. She hopes to advocate for a similar bill in North Carolina next year.
Tiller was honored for her effort back in October for the celebration at the White House in Washington, D.C. She was one of 10 honorees who received an award.
