not acceptable

If you haven't seen it yet, this PSA aired during last week's episode of Glee, and stars Lauren Potter and Jane Lynch. Check it out.

photo: oddee.com

how to help slave lake

photo: www.vancouversun.com

In case you haven't heard, the town of Slave Lake in Northern Alberta has been devastated by forest fires. If you want to help, you can donate to the Red Cross (www.redcross.ca) or to Edmonton Emergency Relief Services (http://www.eerss.ca).

how to make an accessible space, part one

Here are some pictures showing examples of accessibility and barriers to accessibility.

Let's start with the basics.

Automatic doors are great.

Doors with buttons are almost as great.

 

Non-automatic doors without buttons? Not so great.

Elevators are also very helpful.

Though a button people in wheelchairs could reach would be nice!

Signs telling you where the elevators are can be very handy.

Sometimes people need reminders!

Pro tip, though: most of us don't really enjoy being called "the disabled".

It's great when there are accessible alternatives to inaccessible routes- especially when the accessible way is right there, and you don't have to go around back!

Here's another example of a dually accessible entrance- the ramp is right beside the stairs. Convenient for everyone!

If the main entrance isn't accessible, it's nice to have a sign showing you where the accessible entrance is. Something more visible and closer to the main entrance would be even better.

 

Cutaway curbs make things a lot more convenient for those of us with wheels.

Although gravel in the spring makes things a bit tougher.

It's great when detours or temporary sidewalks are also accessible!

Though hard-to-notice gaps like this can be jarring.

Finally,

People in wheelchairs can have emergencies too! It would be nice to have a security phone where everyone could reach it.

That's all for this post. I'm planning on continuing, though, so if you have any suggestions for other examples of accessibility or barriers let me know!

update

 

photo: www.oddee.com

Hey all. Sorry things have been a bit slow around here lately- it's finally begun to seem a bit like summer, and I've been enjoying the weather (and the end of classes for the year!). I also have a couple other projects on the go, which I will keep you posted on. Regular updates will be back soon.

Dave