FORT KENT — When a motorcycle accident left Brian Fournier Jr. confined to a wheelchair in 1982, he knew he would have to find a career to replace his job as a woodcutter.

Eight years later, Fournier has a new life, new goals, a bright future and a message for others facing similar challenges.

In 1985, Fournier enrolled in the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Behavioral Science program, a choice that has “made all the difference.”

The decision to enroll in the baccalaureate program was only the first challenge facing Fournier. Once he began school, there were physical obstacles all over campus which had to be overcome.

Fournier said that when he began attending classes, his access to campus facilities was limited: the second floor of Cyr Hall, which houses the art room and all science laboratories, was accessible only by a stairway, putting those required classes completely out of Fournier’s reach.

Now, however, thanks to his presence and the support of the UMFK Academic Services Office, Fournier has access to nearly all locations on the campus.

For Fournier, the biggest change came when the university targeted bond referendum funds to construct an elevator in Cyr Hall. Fournier said that even before the elevator was installed, the university went as far as it could to accommodate his class locations.

“Whenever I was scheduled to take a class which was located in a second-floor classroom, they would change the location to the first floor,” he said. However, “the science and art courses could not be moved.”

In addition to the elevator, UMFK now has a wheelchair ramp to provide access to most buildings, designated handicapped-parking areas, electronically operated doors and lower water coolers.

Despite the fact that certain areas of the campus remain inaccessible, such as the bookstore and the second floor of the library, Fournier said “there are always people willing and ready to help get what I need.”

It is this support and assistance that Fournier credits for keeping him at UMFK. “I was kind of scared when I first came, and intimidated. But when I realized how helpful and willing to help out people were, it really changed my way of thinking.”

Fournier said he is concerned about other handicapped individuals who may want a college education but are, like he was, afraid. “I want to help other people find out what is available here.”

In his case, Fournier said, “I used to cut wood and (after the accident) I knew I would not be able to do that anymore. I realized I needed an education to get another job. It was my only way out of it.”

Between the physical improvements to the campus and the human support, Fournier said “there is no basis to stop anyone from coming here.” He said it is his goal “to make people who do have physical handicaps aware that this place exists and that they do not have to stay home.”

Although Fournier has faced many physical and emotional challenges in the past eight years, he has no regrets over his choice to pursue a university degree at Fort Kent. “This has given me a lot of self-confidence. Coming to UMFK has really changed my life.”