Re: [Mtgvenue] Comments on draft-baker-mtgvenue-iaoc-venue-selection-process

[Jeffrey Haas <[e-mail]>]

On Tue, Aug 02, 2016 at 12:44:36PM -0700, Ole Jacobsen wrote:
> > > difficult to get attendees in wheelchairs (or similar) in and
> > > out of the meeting rooms. I agree that rather than focusing on
> > > "local law" we should look at practical common-sense evaluations
> > > of venues.
> > 
> > My own guess is that 'wheelchair access' is the single, major requirement.  (I
> > was intrigued to note that in the UK it's referred to as 'stepless', which
> > nicely implies a benefit to more than just wheelchair folk, is is correct.
>  
> Yes, in Japan it's called "barrier free," but basically means the same 
> thing, for example MANY people have problems walking up or down 
> stairs.

While I'm not familiar with anyone personally in IETF that has this as an
issue that isn't also chair-bound, this has been an issue for some of my
friends.  Even if three stairs are involved, it can serve as a significant
barrier for some people with walking issues, even when assistance such as
canes or crutches are involved.  

This seems to manifest in places that are partially accessible.  Some places
can only be reached by "just one or two" stairs and some have a portion of
the facility that is missing an elevator and is only accessible via
stairs - even if they're also an escalator.

-- Jeff