<div dir="ltr"><div>Ethan,</div><div><br></div>Last year, Freeside repurposed a zero-turn lawnmower into an off-road wheelchair for a friend with mobility issues, to provide her with autonomy at a regional Burning Man event in north Georgia:<div>
<a href="http://blog.freesideatlanta.org/2013/03/super-cheap-and-effective-off-road.html">http://blog.freesideatlanta.org/2013/03/super-cheap-and-effective-off-road.html</a><br></div><div><br></div><div>Normally, Robin had to rely on the volunteer staff with golf carts to get around, but this worked really well, and it even took some of the 30-degree inclines like it was no big deal. Freeside actively supports member and community projects related to mobility or accessibility issues; it's also something I personally feel passionate about.</div>
<div><br></div><div>Our space is part of a larger complex that has grandfathered exceptions to the ADA. The ADA also has some clear exceptions for areas with workshop and industrial equipment.</div><div><br></div><div>That said, we make every effort to ensure our space is pretty accessible, though we were unable to install a <i>compliant </i>ramp to our front door (no ramp is required to enter through the back of our space). The reason for that is that ADA requires a 12:1 rise, and this type of ramp would impede the flow of traffic to the other units in the complex.</div>
<div><br></div><div>I know of a couple of spaces in Atlanta that share the same experience; the best thing is to be aware of the issue and have a plan to address questions and concerns. It's also simple things that make a difference - keeping a clear 3-4 foot walkthrough, making sure members don't leave boxes or materials blocking a path through, etc.</div>
<div><br></div><div>I'm not an expert in the fine details of the law, but I would recommend getting an expert review of your facility before <i>claiming</i> ADA compliance. Most hackerspaces located in newer pre-built-out facilities can, for the most part, assume that they are compliant, unless they've done some wacky build-outs. It's probably a good idea to engage your landlord in that conversation - especially if your space is regularly open to the public.</div>
<div><br></div><div>It's important if you're located in an older facility to read the ADA and also read the grandfathered exceptions (if they exist or apply to your facility). Be prepared to answer questions; ignorance of the ADA is not acceptable. Definitely read through the ADA, if you haven't already.</div>
<div><br></div><div>Thanks,</div><div>Alan</div><div>Director/Treasurer, Freeside Atlanta</div><div><br></div></div><div class="gmail_extra"><br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 2:11 AM, Ethan Chew <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:spacefelix@gmail.com" target="_blank">spacefelix@gmail.com</a>></span> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex"><p>Hello,</p>
<p> In the hackerspace and hacker experience, how have you guys accomodated hackers with special needs (e.g. deaf, blind, limited mobility, mental, multiple languages, etc.)? <br>
Likewise, for hackers who have special needs, how has your experience been and how have you adapted to your communities?</p>
<p> I am curious to know as I have seen examples of such hackerspaces; some in ethnically diverse communities operate with multiple languages; staff and board alike are multilingual. Some hackerspaces in the US I've seen have built ramps or arranged doors and passageways accordingly to meet ADA (American Disability Act) standards to accommodate wheelchairs.</p>
<p> As for special needs hackers, how has the community been for you; how are we doing as a whole and what should we continue to do/improve upon?</p>
<p> As a last question, are there any examples of projects out there that are geared towards meeting special needs; e.g. visual-only/tactile or sound-only translators, mobility devices, etc?</p>
<p> V/r Ethan/spacefelix</p>
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