Valdosta State University’s Sociology Department has partnered with the Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities to study the accessibility of city services for the disabled.

An undergraduate sociology class and a graduate applied sociology class are surveying residents of the local community, as well as city employees, to gather feedback regarding their experiences. Community members with disabilities who use City of Valdosta services are encouraged to fill out an online questionnaire, which is available at http://surveys.valdosta.edu/surveys/cityaccessibility/. Those without Internet access may call (229) 333-5488 (V/TTY) for alternate options.

Dr. Ginger Macheski and Dr. Kathe Lowney, both sociology professors at VSU, are serving as principal investigators for the project. Their questionnaire will be posted through April and all participants’ information will remain confidential.

The professors will guide their students through evaluating the feedback received, quantifying their results and making recommendations to the Mayor’s Council. A written report will also be provided to the mayor and other city officials, who will use this study as part of a larger project to address accessibility needs for local citizens with disabilities. Macheski said Human Resources Director Charlie Felts III is especially interested in recommendations for new accessibility training opportunities.

E-mail cityaccessibilitystudy@valdosta.edu with any questions about the project and its goals.