by eila in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Government Reform, Schools and Youth, Sports
Posted on August 22, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Last Modified on August 22, 2009 at 9:27 pm
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Whoda thunk that a simple sign could be a liar? Here’s a photo essay of some misleading signage in three City of Somerville facilities.
1. Somerville Schools Administration Building, 181 Washington Street: At the inaccessible front entrance, we see a blue International Symbol of Access sign informing folks that “REAR ACCESS PARKING” exists to the right of the building:
Once we’ve made the turn at Boston Avenue, we come upon the inaccessible side entrance to this building and, again, a sign reinforces the notion that we’re coming to an “ACCESS PARKING” lot.
And here is that ACCESS PARKING lot- appetizing, huh?:
Once you’ve parked your van, this is where you are supposed to enter, because the sign says it’s an accessible entrance. See? It’s good enough for the trash, so it should be good enough for you:
2. At the Edgarly School on Otis Street, we see that a ramp exists in the rear of the building. Note the blue sign high up on the wall where the ramp is, with the International Symbol of Access:
Yep, that’s the Somerville DPW truck parked in the Access Parking Spot, but who’s watching? Anyway, here’s a close-up of that sign, so you can see where it’s pointing. Since the sign is so tiny (and noncompliant with ADA signage standards as well as State architectural accessibility code), I would never have noticed this, but my buddy did- it’s pointing in the wrong direction:
3. Here we have the side entrance to the Somerville Recreation Department Building, letting us know that an Accessible Entrance exists to the left of this door:
So we faithfully follow the directions and look to the door on the left, but nope- that one doesn’t look like it’s been opened for a long time, and besides, there’s that huge step:
So the only remaining option…
is not an inclusive one.
Mayor Joseph Curtatone is well aware of these and many other accessibility and inclusion barriers in the City of Somerville- but aware only rhymes with care.
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Thanks for documenting these problems, eila. I hope the city takes action soon.
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Thanks for pointing this out. I will let the Superintendent of Schools and our landlords, the Boys and Girls Club, know the sign should be clarified on the Central Administration building.
The arrow is SUPPOSED to suggest that you drive up the narrow driveway and park at the back of the building. There is a van-accessible spot that unloads at ground-level entrance that leads directly to the building elevator.
This could be clearer. It could also be clearer that individuals who need or prefer to use the accessible entrance/elevator need to call when they arrive so the first floor entrance to be building can be opened.
As I understand it the accessible door is kept locked for security reasons (it opens up into the Boys and Girls Clubs’ game room).
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Hi Gretchen, thank you for your response!
You are saying that the Somerville School system has actually provided a Van-Accessible space in the left rear parking lot, where everyone else parks? Is this what you are referring to?:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3783458626_94ceab7a57_o.jpg
If so, there are a number of accessibility issues to care for:
1. the ramp to that door needs to be rebuilt so that it provides proper reach ranges for the w/c user to grasp the door lever, and also to allow at least 18 inches clearance space after the door is open, on the landing, so that the w/c user can maneuver inside after opening the door. This ramp should allow the w/c user to operate the door independently. If, for security reasons, it is necessary to keep the door locked, then there must be an intercom system connected to a door buzzer, all designed with the proper reach ranges for a w/c user to communicate with a staffer inside.
The rise of the ramp should not exceed 8.3%, and the cross slope, from the foot to the landing, should not exceed 2%.
2. That space at the left rear of this building, that has the universal access signage, is not a usable van-accessible space.
a. A “van accessible” parking space requires a 96 in. wide space AND a 96 in adjacent access aisle to allow the w/c user to maneuver and exit from a side mounted lift.
b. Level surfaces are important for wheelchair transfer to and from vehicles. A maximum slope of 2% is required in all directions for both the space and access aisle of the parking space, plus, the accessible route to the door should also be level, smooth and slip-resistant.
c. The Signage should be mounted in FRONT of the parking space, permanently mounted at least 5 feet high.
It’s great to hear that you will work to fix these issues. A qualified individual who is a w/c user should not be barred from employment opportunities at the Somerville School Administration Building, nor should w/c users wishing to attend the School Meetings, etc., have to deal with issues that make them feel like second-class citizens.
Please write back to let us know that these issues have been resolved by the start of school.
Thanks for your hard and constant work.
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Hi again, Gretchen, I was able to take a closer look at the “Access Door” and saw that the entrance ramp is sloped between 8.6% and 9.5%, which is a bit excessive- but the clearance space to open the door is within accessible limits, at 30 inches.
I also noticed that the City has recently striped that portion of the parking lot. It’s curious that a van-accessible parking space was not created.
Are plans to place an intercom/buzzer at that entrance in the works?
It’s amazing to see how much you take care of, thank you very much!
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