<div dir="ltr">Molly,<div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>I have just spoken with Matt Swanson, the assistant principal in charge of our event. He assures me the school is ADA compliant. Gender </div><div>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 </div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>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 <span style="color:rgb(0,0,0)"> LGBTQIA community</span></div><div><br></div><div>Regards,</div><div>Lorraine</div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Fri, Mar 6, 2020 at 11:06 AM Molly Costello <<a href="mailto:mollyccostello@gmail.com">mollyccostello@gmail.com</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div dir="ltr">Hi Lorraine, <div><br></div><div>I'm excited to start sharing information about the upcoming conference. <b>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.</b> 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. </div><div><br></div><div><b>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.</b> <a href="https://accessibility.cornell.edu/event-planning/accessible-meeting-and-event-checklist/" target="_blank">HERE</a> is one list I tend to refer to when I am organizing an event. Maybe you are familiar with this! <b>It would be really great if this information could go up on the event page somewhere. </b></div><div><br></div><div>Lots of Light,</div><div>Molly</div><div><div><br></div>-- <br><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Molly Costello<br><br>“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."<br>~Joanna Macy<br></div></div></div></div></div>
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