by Melissa McWhinney in Accessibility, All Ages, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Events, Pedestrians
Posted on March 5, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Last Modified on March 19, 2010 at 1:09 pm
| March 28, 2010 | ||
| 4:00 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
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This spring, Somerville is launching its first “one city, one book” campaign, a community reading project in which people all over the City will be encouraged to read and discuss the same book.
The kickoff event will be on Sunday, March 28, 4:00 to 8:00 at the Somerville Armory on Highland Avenue. The book that has been selected is The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, a powerful collection of related stories about a platoon of American soldiers in the Vietnam War. A variety of related events and exhibits, including films and speakers, are being planned in venues throughout the City beginning in late March and continuing through April. Please take a look at the website, at http://www.somervillepubliclibrary.org/Somerville_Reads.html
I hope to see many of you reading this terrific book and sharing in this community-wide experience.
Melissa McWhinney
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As mentioned in my recent post, “It ain’t wicked smaht to exclude people,” this wonderful idea is unfortunately attached to at least three, free, tax-payer-sponsored events offered within facilities not yet designed to be inclusive.
For example, the Armory. The Armory was designed to look like a Medieval Castle. And, although three million dollars was spent to gut-rehab this facility, apparently nothing was spent to make that aesthetic ramp element actually usable by folks who would like to wheel in, independently.
Until that ramp is fixed up to code, all City-sponsored events at the Armory carry this tacit message:
“All ye who enter! Fear Not!…We have, again, successfully defended against the Siege of the Independent Wheelchair Users… and their friends…”
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I had no idea that the Armory was not accessible to wheelchairs! How can that be?
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Looks like, first, the designers didn’t think of it. Then, the building inspector didn’t notice it when issuing the CO. Seems they became aware of the issue recently and requested a variance from the Architectural Access Board. Don’t know if there’s been a hearing yet.
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correction: two of the 3 inaccessible events are free. The event at the Nave is not.
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If you know when the hearing is scheduled, would you please post it? And what would it take for the problem to be corrected at the Armory?
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Sure! If the Variance application was submitted in full, the AAB may have already made one of three possible decisions: the variance was granted with conditions; the variance was denied; or a hearing was be scheduled for the petitioner to present the case. If expert testimony was sent in from the community, that would also be heard at a scheduled hearing, which is always open to the public. Hearings happen twice a month, on Mondays from 10 am – 5 pm.
As for what it would take for the problem to be corrected, I’ve only taken a preliminary look at the outside of this new community facility so far. I saw at least 5 issues to solve, even before the door opens:
1. accessible routes need to be created to connect all designated HP parking spots to sidewalk and door;
2. The buzzer/intercom system at the door needs to be a Two-Way communication system that includes both audible and visual signalling;
3. That communication system, plus the automatic door control, needs to be mounted within accessible reach ranges of each other and accessible to all users;
4. The ramp needs to be sloped correctly, with a level landing placed at the top;
5. All new sidewalk panels connecting the facility with the street and bus stops that are in excess of a 2% cross slope need to be repoured. (example: the new panel right in front of the facility currently has a 3.8% cross slope).
In addition, the placement of the 2 HP spots in the right active driveway route may also require a variance. The intention of providing those spaces is great, but they do not appear safe.
Because so many issues leave folks unable to even enter this facility with confidence and control, it is sensible to assume that the interior requires a comprehensive accessibility evaluation and some solutions also.
A comprehensive interior evaluation will include the following elements: storage, alarms, counters, box offices and ticket booths, routes to and within stages, shows and performance areas, listening systems, theatre seats, spaces and routes, dressing and fitting areas, bathrooms, water fountains, work sinks, etc.
An inclusive solution will ensure that all artists, actors, designers, producers, and other professionals with disAbilities will be able to rent and present at this community center with equally integrated access to all spaces, rooms and amenities within and outside this facility.
And the general public will be able to access all routes, spaces, amenities, events and classes held within this facility, with ease and confidence.
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UPDATE: On February 23, the Architectural Access Board granted the variance request to leave the excessively sloped ramp, along with the lack of a level landing at top, on the condition that an automatic door control be placed at the bottom of the ramp by April 1, 2010.
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So how satisfactory is that?
On the up side, I got the book from the library and it looks really good. They have a million copies.
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Maybe one idea is to have all our elected officials sign a pledge not to initiate, attend or support public meetings or city sponsored events that take place in inaccessible buildings.
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What a Wonderful Idea!
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