[Noisebridge-discuss] ADA Access for the future Noisebridge

[Liz Henry]

I'd just like an accessible entrance, including elevator access if
necessary.  If we can get in, the other stuff is fixable (for example we
did fix the current space's bathroom). Perfect, to code, ADA-correct
buildings are rare. It's an ongoing process to keep a space accessible,
too, just from usage patterns of the space.

But being able to enter and exist in the space are crucial.

Best,

Liz

On Tue, Feb 27, 2018 at 3:09 PM, Zach R <organicunity at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
>      It was recently brought to my attention that the search for a new
> Noisebridge home has included many (perhaps solely) inaccessible places.  Meaning,
> the future Noisebridge would not allow me, or anyone else in a wheelchair,
> walker, etc. to enter.  This would eliminate me from being part of the
> community entirely.
>
>
>
> 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.  But I think there needs to be a huge shift in the
> effort being put towards finding accessible spaces.  I have some ideas
> listed below.  But first, I want to pose a question to the community
> because I get different answers / opinions from different people:
>
>
> *Is equal access for all a fundamental part of Noisebridge's mission?*
>
>
>
> I don't know the answer to that question, but I think it is a good one to
> talk about among the community.
>
>
>
> Now, as far as an actual sincere effort to searching for an accessible
> space.  Here are some suggestions:
>
>
>
>    - *Include disabled people in this conversation and ask them about
>    their needs* -this is very important.  Please don't assume what
>    people's needs are.  Please include some disabled people in the
>    closed-circle Noisebridge building search.
>
>
>
>    - Call and ask the landlord exactly what accessibility looks like.  How
>    many steps are there?  What is the size of the door, gate, etc?  How
>    narrow / wide are hallways and entry areas?  Is there a large
>    single-occupancy bathroom?  What is the slope of the entry way?  Is
>    there a working elevator?  Relay this information to disabled members
>    for feedback and input /*before*/ going to a space, taking pictures,
>    and getting really attached to it.
>
>
>
>    - Reach out to organizations and do an internet search for
>    accessibility options, and laws around construction and such.  You,
>    yes, /you/ can actually step up to do some of this research.  Call:
>
>             *Senior Disability Action (https://sdaction.org/
> <https://sdaction.org/>  (415) 546-1333 <(415)%20546-1333>)*
>
> *            ILRC (https://www.ilrcsf.org/ <https://www.ilrcsf.org/> (415)
> 543-6222 <(415)%20543-6222>)*
>
>             or similar places to ask for advice.
>
>
>
> I want to be clear that I don't expect to be a part of Noisebridge come
> August.  I know finding an accessible space is going to be really, really
> hard.  I do ask that people really try though.  That includes educating
> ourselves around access and including disabled people in the search and in
> the conversation.
>
>
>
> I plan on attending the meeting tonight (which hopefully happens) in case
> anyone wants to discuss this stuff with me.  I do ask however, that you
> do not vent your frustrations on me.  I do not want to be the scapegoat
> for San Francisco's problems with ADA access and high rents.  As the most
> active wheelchair-using member of Noisebridge I have had to work overtime
> educating people about access, ableism, and advocating for myself.  It's
> exhausting.  I am just trying to be a part of the community and I hope
> everyone can understand and respect that.
>
>
> 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.
>
>
>
> -Zach
>
>
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