PSA: Please use the stairs if you can!

Since classes are starting tomorrow, I figured I should send this out to the masses to help spread awareness:

If you have the ability to use the stairs, please avoid taking the elevators to class.

Obviously there's exceptions, like the clock tower classes or when you just have to go up a million stairs. But for those of us in wheelchairs, those who have invisible or temporary disabilities, I know we've all had one too many run ins with inconsiderate people in the elevators.

And as a note for non-mobility aid users: for wheelchairs or bigger aids specifically, we need more room in the elevator than what just our aid allows. Newer elevators are made with large cargo in mind, but the extra room also allows wheelchair users to properly turn around to face the doors.

If you see a chair user, make sure they're not struggling to enter, turn around, or exit the elevator. If there's not enough room, exit the elevator while they're maneuvering and get back on if you need to.

For some general accessibility advice: if you see someone in a chair waiting for the automatic doors to open, that isn't an invite to cut through the barely-open door in front of their chair. Also, please do not stand on/in the ramps leading to classes (I've run into this in the chem building a lot, which I know is super cramped and terrible.) so that way we can use them without having to beg people to move. If you're holding open a door for a chair user too, stand on the outside! It's a little counterintuitive to stand in the inside of the door in the doorway, because it gives less room for us to squeeze through already tight doorways. And if you see someone in a chair struggling, you can just ask if they need help! Please don't go up and start helping without asking, as it may be a hindrance when you have good intentions.

I hate having to type this out but, it just simply isn't taught to people because there's a huge lack of awareness. This isn't meant to be harsh, but is meant to inform others so that way we can all have an equal opportunity to get to class on time and quickly! I'm also just stressing as a newer manual wheelchair user about the cramped Mason Hall elevators, because I have a ton of classes in that building this semester. All love, not trying to instigate. (some people get... aggressive... about things like this so I have to cover my ass here, haha)

tl;dr: Be courteous to those who need to use the elevators, because we don't have any other way to get to class. (same goes for automatic doors, ramps, etc.) Makes it 100x less awkward for everyone involved :))

edit 1/08: just had my first class and, to spread some anecdotal hope, people have been super kind! :D