[Communications] Accessibility of CCGA Conference

[Lorraine Kells]

Molly,

These are important things to consider, and please know that we share your
concerns. The policy manual for CPS states that district services, programs
and activities, when viewed in its entirety, are required to be accessible
to persons with disabilities.  We can tell you that parking is accessible
with clearly marked disability spaces.  We have moved registration to the
south side of the building with an entrance on Jackson, directly across the
street from the parking lot. There are elevators near this entrance that
lead directly to the second floor conference area.  I don't believe there
is anywhere where ramps are needed, but we will not leave your questions
unanswered.

I have just spoken with Matt Swanson, the assistant principal in charge of
our event. He assures me the school is ADA compliant. Gender
neutral restroom(s) can be found on the 1st floor in the NE corner of the
building with clear marking. One is also located on the third floor, but as
our conference is on the second floor the 1st floor would be easiest to
access upon entering the bulding

I have had at least one conversation with WYHS about a small quiet space
for nursing women which might be alternately available as a quite room for
anyone with triggers that require them to seek such a space.  It's
occupancy would have to be more clearly defined.

We have a newsletter coming out in a few days and we will include a note
about the accessibility of the building in it.  Please email us again with
any other concerns. Amy and JW are copied in this email and we'll make sure
that something goes up on our website for the conference.  Thank you for
helping us ally to the  LGBTQIA community

Regards,
Lorraine

On Fri, Mar 6, 2020 at 11:06 AM Molly Costello <mollyccostello at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi Lorraine,
>
> I'm excited to start sharing information about the upcoming conference. *I
> wanted to ask about accessibility of the space before I send info out so
> that folks with specific needs know if they can attend or not.* Can you
> tell me if there are elevators and wheel chair ramps in this building and
> if there is handicap parking close by? Do you know if there will there be
> access to gender neutral bathrooms? A "family style" bathroom would work
> for this.
>
> *I am trying to be a better ally for folks with disabilities and the
> LGBTQIA community since they often get overlooked and spaces become
> uninviting or unsafe.* HERE
> <https://accessibility.cornell.edu/event-planning/accessible-meeting-and-event-checklist/>
> is one list I tend to refer to when I am organizing an event. Maybe you are
> familiar with this! *It would be really great if this information could
> go up on the event page somewhere. *
>
> Lots of Light,
> Molly
>
> --
> Molly Costello
>
> “If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it
> will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater
> than their fear."
> ~Joanna Macy
>
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