2008 Woodie Awards
David Dillon: Being Disabled Won't Slow Him Down
Jonathan Stone
Issue date: 4/6/05 Section: Features
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Chances are everyone who is part of the Manhattan College community has seen him hanging around the Quad in his wheelchair. His smile brightens the campus. His personality draws people to him. Freshman David Dillon always smiles and greets fellow members of the school community as he rolls by in his wheelchair, despite being born with Spina Bifida-- a hole in his back that exposed oxygen to his spinal cord. It left him paralyzed from the waist down.
David was born and raised in Riverdale. He lived on Waldo Avenue until he was two years old, and then moved to 256 Street where he lives now. Ever since he can remember he wanted to come to Manhattan College; between living in the neighborhood and with several of his family members being alumni, the decision was easy. He applied early decision to Manhattan College. He commutes from home via taxi.
Dr. Ross Pollack makes sure that David is given proper arrangements for his classes. Dr. Pollack is in charge of having notes photocopied for him, a service offered free of charge by Manhattan College. He also makes sure that David has a special desk he can use for his classes.
David feels that Manhattan College is really easy to navigate. "It's all about knowing where the ramps are and what elevators to take to get to each building," he said. He did mention that there are some inconveniences. One is accessing the gym and Horan. Most people are able to take the steps up to Draddy Gym or Horan Hall; however being in a wheelchair makes it more complicated. David has to take the elevator from the ground level of Thomas Hall up to the top floor in order to access them. Another inconvenience is eating at Locke's Loft. David said, "I have to take the elevator through the kitchen and then go wait on line to get in. That's why I always eat in Dante's."
The doorways in Horan Hall are tight; they are the same width as David's wheelchair, and it takes a lot of effort to get through the doors. It is also difficult for him to take the train into the city. The 1 and 9 trains are not accessible for those in wheelchairs; the only train he can take would be the expensive Metro North. It leaves him with two option-- having his dad take him or taking the express bus.
David was born and raised in Riverdale. He lived on Waldo Avenue until he was two years old, and then moved to 256 Street where he lives now. Ever since he can remember he wanted to come to Manhattan College; between living in the neighborhood and with several of his family members being alumni, the decision was easy. He applied early decision to Manhattan College. He commutes from home via taxi.
Dr. Ross Pollack makes sure that David is given proper arrangements for his classes. Dr. Pollack is in charge of having notes photocopied for him, a service offered free of charge by Manhattan College. He also makes sure that David has a special desk he can use for his classes.
David feels that Manhattan College is really easy to navigate. "It's all about knowing where the ramps are and what elevators to take to get to each building," he said. He did mention that there are some inconveniences. One is accessing the gym and Horan. Most people are able to take the steps up to Draddy Gym or Horan Hall; however being in a wheelchair makes it more complicated. David has to take the elevator from the ground level of Thomas Hall up to the top floor in order to access them. Another inconvenience is eating at Locke's Loft. David said, "I have to take the elevator through the kitchen and then go wait on line to get in. That's why I always eat in Dante's."
The doorways in Horan Hall are tight; they are the same width as David's wheelchair, and it takes a lot of effort to get through the doors. It is also difficult for him to take the train into the city. The 1 and 9 trains are not accessible for those in wheelchairs; the only train he can take would be the expensive Metro North. It leaves him with two option-- having his dad take him or taking the express bus.