As noted in a recent Seattle Times’ article (“After disabled-parking outrage, Seattle Center changes plans” 9/12/09), the Seattle Center has addressed theatre patrons’ concerns about the removal of 13 disabled parking spaces as part of the construction of the Theatre Commons project. As mentioned in a previous blog, CA/VSAAW did send letters to both Seattle Center and City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, supporting a better resolution than the Mercer Parking Garage and offering our assistance, if needed. We also had an online Letter to the Editor of the Times posted.
When the situation was more successfully resolved, we also submitted a letter of congratulations to the Center and sumitted another letter to the Times:
To the Editor,
We are pleased to see that Seattle Center has more successfully resolved issues surrounding the removal of 13 handicapped parking spaces, part of the plans for creating a memorial garden for Peter Donnelly. It is refreshing to hear a government official admit an issue could have been handled better, and see them step up and work to address concerns in a timely manner. Adding 19 disabled street parking spaces near the Intiman and Seattle Repertory Theatres, even if only reserved for that purpose on evenings and weekends, does begin to address the immediate theatre patron concerns, and shows a welcome attitude of care and concern for the needs of people with disabilities. Bravo to Center Director Robert Nellams and his Staff!
I am also very happy to report that this is not quite the end of the issue. At today’s Seattle Center Resident Directors’ Meeting, we received a report from the Center on the resolution AND heard a clear message that they found this to be a good lesson learned. They have committed to doing further work to improve access to the Campus for people with disabilites, even bringing in some additional expertise in ADA and arts access issues for consultation and assistance. I took the opportunity to remind Campus organizations and Center Staff that CA/VSAAW is here to help and is fully committed to being a partner with all arts orgainizations who want to improve access for their patrons.
This was, indeed, a learning opportunity for us all; Seattle Center took responsibility, stepped up to resolve the issue quickly, and recognized there are issues still to be addressed and improvments that can be made. I saw yet another example of why it is SO important that CA/VSAAW remain a strong, relevent, and active organization – when people with disablilites aren’t at the “planning table”, our needs are not always adequately addressed. And we had an opportunity to remind arts organizations here on Campus that we are availble to help them with their efforts.
Although assurance of equal access in our commnuity has some distance to go, I am more confident than before that there is a fundamental recognition of the importance and responsibility to address access needs. I believe that Seattle Center and its arts organizations can be leaders in this area and I pledge to keep CA/VSAAW at the forefront of that effort.
Let me know what you think.
You wrote me in September about the removal of handicapped parking spaces at Seattle Center. I am pleased to inform you that the Seattle City Council voted to create a Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities. The forming of the commission and its responsibilities is yet to occur. If you would like to be involved please let me know by e-mailing me at:tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov. Thank you