The Ins and Outs of Mainstream Life

Two contrasting stories caught my attention this week.  One exemplifies the continuing efforts to include people with disabilities in mainstream life through various media forms.  The other dramatizes the fact that, in reality, people with disabilities are often excluded, or forgotten, from mainstream life.

The good news is that Archie has a new girl friend...and she has a disability.  After more than 70 years, the venerable Archie comic strip has finally added a person with a disability to the gang from Riverside.  Her name is Harper, cousin of Veronica (my favorite was always Betty.  Stop me when I've exceeded the nerd quotient) and she uses a wheelchair.  She is described as having a spunky personality and, according to the Archie Comics people, does not let her disability define her.  Good for you, Arch!

When we move away, however, from the colorful pages of a comic book to the black and white pages of real life, we see news that is not as positive.  According to the National Council on Disability, as reported in a recent article in Disability Scoop, serious barriers continue to jeopardize the well-being of people with disabilities in the wake of disasters and other emergency situations.  Many 911 systems are still unavailable by text.  Shelters and televised emergency announcements often lack sign-language interpreters for those who are deaf.  Broadcast alerts feature language that is unclear for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Evacuation maps and websites with emergency information are inaccessible to people with sight impairments.  Said Jeff Rosen, chair of the National Council on Disability, "The concerns of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs in emergency situations are frequently overlooked, minimized or not even recognized until after the fact."  The agency is recommending that several federal agencies work together to establish guidelines for communicating with people with disabilities in emergency situations.  They are also suggesting more oversight, training and collaboration with the disability community.

Maybe Harper, Archie and the gang can help with that.

Mark Bernstein
Growth Consultant, Central East Regional Group and UUA Liaison to Equual Access

Buy Me Some Peanuts and Cracker Jack...

Ah, Spring. When a young man’s fancy turns to…BASEBALL (of course). Is there any better time to renew our love of things that are simple and timeless and perfect in their execution? Spring and summer afternoons spent in front of the TV or by the radio taking in the glorious sights and sounds of this magnificent game, or, better still, being out at the old ballpark to see your favorite team up close and personal.

Talk about your experience of the holy.

Of course, for people with disabilities, going to see a baseball game can be as arduous a task as the Mets bullpen holding onto a lead. So I decided to do some searching on the web to see what major league baseball is doing to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities. Some of the newer ballparks are doing a more than credible job of accommodating people. Some of the older parks barely address the issue. But the one team that I found to have the most information about services to people with disabilities and the greatest emphasis on accommodating people with disabilities was (are you sitting down?) THOSE HATED NEW YORK YANKEES!!!!

That’s right, those Bronx Bombers of Bubble Bursting; those perennial pinstriped purveyors of (nearly) perfect seasons. Those…well, you get the idea! Say what you will about this franchise of evil, but you can’t say they’re inconsiderate of people with disabilities. Consider these amenities:

· Wheelchair accessible and designated aisle seats including premium seat locations

· Printed materials available in large print and braille

· Assistive listening devices available at no charge

· Two open caption video boards and on televisions located throughout the stadium

· 16 public elevators with operators stationed in each one

· Induction loops installed at approximately 50 locations

· Accessible restrooms located on all levels

· Electrical outlets available throughout the park for recharging wheelchairs, scooters and other medical equipment.

And there are lots more. Now that’s impressive. You couldn't ask much more from an organization, other than to have a losing season.

Why not check out your favorite team’s commitment to accessibility? It’s one way to find out if they’re a winner.

With respect,

Mark Bernstein
CERG Growth Consultant and UUA Liaison to Equual Access

Dawning Future

The Unitarian Universalist Association is moving its headquarters, opening up virtual and physical space for communication, inclusion and engagement. The new headquarters offers opportunities for people, staff and volunteer lay leaders, with disabilities that were not possible before.

Rob Molla, UUA Director of Human Resources contacted the UUA staff liaison for EqUUal Access Mark Bernstein a few weeks ago. Mark met with Rob and had a preliminary conversation to discuss general issues related to accessibility as outlined by the EqUUal Access Board of Directors. Following this meeting, Rob said he would be back in touch with an invitation to representatives of EqUUal Access to tour the building and make recommendations.

On Tuesday, March 12, Suzanne Fast, Vice President of EqUUal Access, Carol Agate, EqUUal Access Treasurer, and Barbara Ceconi toured the new building. They identified a list of needed accommodations, which Rob documented, distributing copies to Peter Morales, Harlan Limpert, Kay Montgomery, Tim Brennen, and Mark Bernstein. Near the end of the tour, Rob indicated that there would be ongoing consultation with EA. The building has been gutted by the current owner, and the UUA is working with an architect.