As an SIUC Alumnus and citizen, I was excited at the once in a lifetime opportunity of personally attending a speech by the President of the United States. Unfortunately, that excitement has been overshadowed by disbelief. I am one of several hundred people living in Southern Illinois who have a disability, and yet nowhere in any of the extensive coverage of arrangements and seating for this event

After several days of no information, I went to the Pulliam site personally the day before (Sept. 10) and spoke to several gentlemen in dark suits and glasses who assured me that they and the University had arranged for persons with any disability to be seated at the front of the seating area to the right of the stage, thus insuring an unobstructed view.

At least a dozen people in wheelchairs were in fact seated 14 rows back and several persons with hearing impairments were seated behind us. Every time the crowd rose in applause, or to take pictures, we were blocked by a wall of humanity. For me in my wheelchair, this was aggravating. But for those people who could not see the sign language interpreter for minutes at a time, it was a communications blackout!

I do not know exactly where the responsibility for this lies or you can be certain I would contact them directly. Since no public announcements were made there is little way to follow up. Therefore I have chosen to speak in a public forum in the hopes of someone coming forward with an explanation, or at least a way to avert similar errors should another world dignitary ever come to the area.