Accessibility Committee Meets for 2006

Elimination of barriers at Friendship House, that is the mission of the Accessibility Committee. This group, which has been in existence since 1997 has systematically removed impediments at the agency, structural and otherwise.

Early years of the group concentrated on physical impediments, and there were more than a few. Using a checklist from the ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act), members of the committee went through each room of each building, to identify areas needing improvement. Many features that we all take for granted today were brought about by this activity.

Some of the more recent changes have included removal of vanity cabinets under sinks, which impede wheelchair access, and re-arrangement of the galley to allow for easier access within the building. The committee also worked with contractors in the construction of the Training Center.

Often work of the Accessibility Committee goes hand in hand with the Safety Committee. The groups worked together recently to provide new accessible and safe exits for all the houses.

Barriers can be more subtle, however, than narrow doorways and the slope of ramps. In recent years, the work of the Committee has shifted its activities to address other barriers, often harder to detect and correct.

Attitudes, both at the agency and the community have been addressed. The agency has sponsored a number of radio promotions lately, advocating employment for persons with disabilities. Reader exchange programs have been in place for the last several years, helping acquaint grade school children with disabilities, and developing community relationships. Over this past year, a 6 part course on sign language was offered to staff at the agency, provided by Karliene Pfalzgraf.

Members of the 2006 Accessibility Committee include Richard Brooke, Melissa White, Dorothy Hutchcraft, Arnie Drake, Dean Pfalzgraf, Eric Forst, Suzanne Armstrong, and Melissa Hulse.