Knowledge Wanted: Accessible Venues Project
I live in New York City and have begun “The Accessible Venues Project” (otherwise known as “Pubs ‘n Clubs!”). I thought United Spinal members might have some good ideas, so am seeking your help.
Here’s the deal: I get together with friends for smallish meetings and largish parties after work on a fairly regular basis and have noticed there are very few venues accessible to people in wheelchairs and scooters. I see no comprehensive listing on the ‘net,’ in bookstores, or anywhere else, of places like lounges, pubs, casual restaurants, and trendy coffeehouses, or larger spaces like clubs, which are accessible.
Hence, the “Accessible Venues Project.” Along with some volunteers, I’m compiling a MegaList of “Pubs ‘n Clubs.” For now, I’m concentrating on the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island). The work is already underway, and will be made easily available to the public.
Specifically, I’m looking for:
• Casual lounges/bars/restaurants/trendy, cool coffee shops for small get-togethers, and
• Larger spaces (clubs, lounges) for bigger parties, for people both in and not in wheelchairs and scooters.
This list will be inclusive of folks with low or no sight and of members of the Deaf community. If anyone wishes to contribute their experiences and ideas of places like I’ve described which are “proven winners,” I’d be very grateful. Feel free to e-mail me at events@dfnyc.org with places or ideas. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Miriam Danar, New York, New York
Remembering Bob Moss
Thumbing through the first marvelous issue of Action, I came across your “look back” (”In the Beginning” by Terry Moakley, January 2006). All the memories rushed in-and the pictures of Bob made it all so poignant. Tears came.
Would it be possible for your office to send me a few copies of the issue? Bob’s contribution of books, pamphlets and bulletins concerning the disabled generated the setting up of a special section in our local library. It’s been 20 years since his death and its still there. A few times a year, I bring them current issues but I’m reluctant to give up my copy.
I’ve been virtually housebound since last September, so not only did your article (as well as the entire issue) make my day-it made my week! Thank you.
Lucille Moss, Roslyn Heights, New York
Letters to the Editor may be sent by e-mail to action@unitedspinal.org, or to Action Editor, United Spinal Association, 75-20 Jackson Heights, NY 11370-1177. Please keep letters to 300 words or fewer. Letters may be edited for clarity or space.
