On Wednesday, the inaugural satellite location dedicated to supporting students with disabilities was unveiled by Yale’s Student Accessibility Services in partnership with the Good Life Center.
The Good Life Center at SAS, a collaborative endeavor involving SAS, the Good Life Center, and student activists from across Yale’s campus, marked a significant milestone for inclusivity at Yale. The initiative to establish a designated space for students with disabilities to socialize and unwind has been a longstanding goal shared by SAS and the Good Life Center.
Corinne Coia, the Director of Yale College Wellness Programs, shared insights with the News regarding the vision to establish additional satellite spaces under the Good Life Center’s umbrella. She emphasized the importance of relaxation in fostering both academic and personal growth among students.
Kimberly McKeown, the Director of SAS, highlighted the evolution of a modest project into a collaborative venture. What initially began as a simple inquiry for enhancing the lounge’s ambiance led to a joint effort between SAS and the Good Life Center to create a shared space.
The design of the space was meticulously crafted with the needs of students with disabilities in mind, incorporating diverse seating arrangements, customizable lighting, snack provisions, and thoughtful environmental considerations. The teams at SAS and the Good Life Center paid special attention to catering to students using wheelchairs and those with sensory disabilities.
Vanessa Blas ‘22 SPH ‘23, the Woodbridge Fellow and programming director at the Good Life Center, aimed to cultivate an environment that felt like a “lived experience.” Through the inclusion of live plants, a moss wall, and a cozy interior, the space was envisioned to serve multiple functions for students with disabilities while also serving as a social hub for relaxation and camaraderie.
Kimberly Goff-Crews ‘83 LAW ‘86, the Secretary and Vice President for University Life at Yale, spearheads the Belonging at Yale initiative, which strives to enrich community life and create an inclusive learning environment. During the space’s inauguration, she commended the pivotal role of student activism in realizing the project, underscoring the importance of student engagement in promoting campus wellness.
The event also saw the presence of Elizabeth Conklin, the Associate Vice President for Institutional Equity, Accessibility, and Belonging, who expressed enthusiasm for the space’s launch and envisioned a future where similar satellite spaces cater to Yale’s diverse student body.
The Good Life Center at SAS, situated at 35 Broadway, stands as a testament to Yale’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment for all students.
LANDON BISHOP, a freshman in Benjamin Franklin College majoring in Ethics, Politics, and Economics, covers Accessibility at Yale.