For physically disabled students, moving about campus can be a difficult task, increased tenfold by the mammoth snowstorms that have blanketed State College this winter.

The University's Office for Disability Services offers programs that make the hassle of getting to class a little more bearable for the 88 students with mobility limitation and the 38 visually impaired students who have notified the office of their disabilities.

The office, in conjunction with the Office of Physical Plant, coordinates priority snow removal on routes to classrooms and dining halls frequently used by disabled students, said Brenda Hameister, director of the Office for Disability Services.

"This has been a very difficult winter in terms of snow removal," Hameister said.

State College also does its part to clear the way for disabled people. The borough provides them with free Centre Ride passes. Centre Ride is a part of the Centre Area Transportation Authority, said Peter Marshall, borough manager.

But Marshall added, "There's almost nothing you can do (for the disabled) when there's snow."

Isadore Sutton (graduate-mechanical engineering), who is totally blind, said he would like the University to improve its snow-removal procedures.

"I've slipped several times myself," he said.

In addition to priority snow removal, the University operates a wheelchair lift-equipped van that provides "curb-to-curb service," taking students from their dorms to the buildings where their classes are held, Hameister said. Some of the van drivers have even been assisting the students in and out of the buildings, going "above and beyond the call of duty," Hameister said.

"(The van) is pretty convenient, but the problem is some of the entrance ways have snow on them," said Keith Parsons (junior-quantitative business analysis), who uses a wheelchair.

Physically disabled students also have priority registration, so they "don't have to go traipsing back and forth across campus," said Hameister.

Students with temporary injuries, such as broken bones, or those recovering from surgery should be aware that some of these services are available to them, Hameister said.

Disabled students can also request free Loop passes, Hameister said.

Hameister added that there are more disabled students on campus than those who identify themselves to the Office of Disability Services.