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<p class="MsoNormal">Hi everyone,<br>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> It was recently brought to my attention that the search for a new Noisebridge home has included many (perhaps solely) inaccessible places.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Meaning, the future Noisebridge would not allow me, or anyone else in a wheelchair, walker, etc. to enter.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>This would eliminate me from being part of the community entirely.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, I know the search for a new place is very rough, rents are exorbitant, and I would not want to stand in the way of Noisebridge continuing to exist.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>But I think there needs to be a huge shift in the effort being put towards finding accessible spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I have some ideas listed below.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But first, I want to pose a question to the community because I get different answers / opinions from different people:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><u><span style="text-decoration:none"><br>
</span></u></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Is equal access for all a fundamental part of Noisebridge's mission?</u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I don't know the answer to that question, but I think it is a good one to talk about among the community.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Now, as far as an actual sincere effort to searching for an accessible space.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Here are some suggestions:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">*Include disabled people in this conversation and ask them about their needs* -this is very important.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Please don't assume what people's needs are.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Please include some disabled people in the closed-circle Noisebridge building search.</li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Call and ask the landlord exactly what accessibility looks like.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>How many steps are there?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What is the size of the door, gate, etc?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>How narrow / wide are hallways and entry areas?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Is there a large single-occupancy bathroom? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>What is the slope of the entry way?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>
Is there a working elevator?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Relay this information to disabled members for feedback and input /<u>before</u>/ going to a space, taking pictures, and getting really attached to it.</li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Reach out to organizations and do an internet search for accessibility options, and laws around construction and such.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>You, yes, /you/ can actually step up to do some of this research.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Call:</li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><i>Senior Disability Action (https://sdaction.org/<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>(415) 546-1333)</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>ILRC (https://www.ilrcsf.org/ (415) 543-6222)</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>or similar places to ask for advice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I want to be clear that I don't expect to be a part of Noisebridge come August.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I know finding an accessible space is going to be really, really hard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I do ask that people really try though.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>
That includes educating ourselves around access and including disabled people in the search and in the conversation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I plan on attending the meeting tonight (which hopefully happens) in case anyone wants to discuss this stuff with me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I do ask however, that you do not vent your frustrations on me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>I do not want to be the scapegoat for San Francisco's problems with ADA access and high rents.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>As the most active wheelchair-using member of Noisebridge I have had to work overtime educating people about access, ableism, and advocating for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>It's exhausting.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I am just trying to be a part of the community and I hope everyone can understand and respect that.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks for reading this and taking the time to care about these issues. I look forward to our conversation and growth as a community together.<br>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">-Zach</p>
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