[Access] Accessibility at the Soiree

[David Gilmartin]

The Music Committee is in charge of the Music Soiree. I just spoke  
with Pat Hendricks, the chair of that committee, to let her know that  
accessibility for that event is a hot topic amongst our listserv  
participants, after our experience at the Auction. Cindy has also  
spoken with her.

Their committee is aware of the access problems at last year's event,  
and has made some changes for this year: (1) There will be fewer  
tables for people to sit at with their food and wine. Some of these  
tables will be adjacent to wide aisles and wheelchair accessible, but  
not all. (2) Buffet tables will be against both walls in the Social  
Hall, with the center of the room open, to improve circulation. (3)  
Other seating will have wide aisles also, for circulation and  
wheelchair seating.

Some tables have been retained, to ease the food juggling and for  
ambiance, I was told. I got the impression that the committee is aware  
that it is juggling a variety of needs and desires for this event --  
popularity of the event and limited space being in conflict.

FYI, I did NOT ask for further changes. Just communicated our strongly  
felt concerns.

David G.