Jumping in — Main Street Armory
I heard about the Main Street Armory back in late December. The Armory is an old armory that was bought and renovated, and reopened as a sports venue, though other events, such as the Renaissance Festival, and the Shriner’s Circus takes place there.
Unfortunately, the place is barely accessible to folks who use wheelchairs. One has to navigate a gravel ramp out back to get in, and anyone who uses a wheelchair knows that gravel is not their friend.
After a glowing report in the Democrat and Chronicle, our local newspaper, I placed a call to the Armory, and got none other than the owner, Scott Donaldson, on the phone. He told me that the Armory was accessible, but not like he wanted. He said that they had brought an elevator, but had not yet installed it. Somewhere in that converstion, he revealed to me that he is blind. Interesting.
I gave it a couple of weeks, then, wrote a letter to Mr. Donaldson to ask a few more questions, and to offer our services. I’m sure that he has an assistant who reads him his mail. Here is the letter:
January 25, 2007
Scott Donaldson
900 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14605
Dear Mr. Donaldson:
My name is Anita Cameron, and I am a Systems Advocate with the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL), which is located here in Rochester. I spoke with you on December 29, 2006 after reading the article in the Democrat and Chronicle about the plans for the Main Street Armory. It was good talking with you that day, but I thought that I would write this letter as I have more questions about access for people with disabilities at the Armory.
In our conversation, you stated that the Armory was accessible, but not as much as you would like it to be. You mentioned that an elevator had been purchased, but had not been installed. What is the status of the elevator? Has it been installed yet?
I am aware that the Armory will host arena football games and other sporting events, as well as the circus. What are the seating arrangements? Is there any accessible seating for people who use wheelchairs, and will they be able to sit together if they want?
I sensed from our conversation that access for people with disabilities is important to you, as well. RCIL will be happy to conduct a walk through of the facility with you and offer input and suggestions for making the Main Street Armory accessible to all. Please feel free to contact me at (585) 442-6470 ext 164 to arrange this. I look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Anita Cameron
Regional Center for Independent Living
To date, I have not heard back from Mr. Donaldson, though I have left him several meesages. As it happens, we will be meeting with a gentleman who has had problems with access at the Armory, and I will brainstorm with everyone on what our next move should be. Stay tuned.