Our August Newsletter!
We're thrilled to highlight a recent project where Access With Skill is making a significant impact.
Q2: August 2024 | Project Highlight
CalPoly SLO
We're excited to share that Access With Skill is providing accessibility consulting for "The Future of Cal Poly Housing" project. This ambitious 10-year plan will enhance the residential experience for students and promote their success by adding approximately 4,100 new beds and renovating existing facilities. We're addressing the unique challenges of creating universally accessible spaces within this extensive development, ensuring that the new suite-style living arrangements, community spaces, and modular construction align with the highest accessibility standards. Stay tuned as we help shape a more inclusive future for Cal Poly students.
https://housing.calpoly.edu/future-housing
Access With Skill
Please reach out to us at samantha@accesswithskill.com if you or your client is in need of accessibility consulting services.
Our June Newsletter!
Project Highlight: 8500 SMB
Our accessibility consulting team worked with the owner/developer and architecture team at Tighe Architecture to ensure this beautifully designed building included disabled access requirements. Together we were able to navigate balanced designed solutions that factored in project costs, code compliance, and the end users.
Renderings of 8500 SMB by Tighe Architecture
During permitting we encountered a common code misinterpretation on low-rise residential projects. When is elevator emergency standby power required? And how does elevator emergency standby power relate to accessibility?
Per the U.S. Access Board Technical Guide on Accessible Means of Egress on floors above or below the level of exit discharge, accessible means of egress must lead to exit stairways, horizontal exits, or to elevators equipped with standby power.
These are locations where those unable to use stairs, such as wheelchair users, can await assisted rescue by emergency responders. It is standard operating procedure for emergency responders to check these locations first for anyone needing assistance. The guide clarifies that in buildings with four or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge, at least one accessible means of egress must be an elevator with standby power and emergency signaling devices. Designed to remain operational even when regular electrical service is lost, they are used by emergency responders to move personnel and fire-fighting equipment and to provide assisted rescue. Like all elevators, they are not to be used independently by building occupants in emergencies.
The Kelsey Standards and Ayer Station
If you are subscribed to our newsletter you have already heard it but, In the ever-evolving landscape of architecture, a new standard is emerging—one that transcends the conventional boundaries of design and embraces the diverse needs of society. At the forefront of this movement stands "The Kelsey," a beacon of inclusivity and innovation in the realm of architectural design.
Pioneering Inclusive Design
In a world where accessibility often remains an afterthought, The Kelsey Standards are pioneering a paradigm shift. These standards, comprising over 300 meticulously crafted elements, go beyond mere compliance with accessibility codes. They represent a holistic approach to design, one that prioritizes inclusivity and empowers individuals of all abilities.
According to The Kelsey website, while 26% of people have a disability, less than 6% of the national housing supply is designed to be accessible. Recognizing this disparity, The Kelsey Standards aim to fill the gap by providing architects, designers, and developers with practical guidelines for creating truly inclusive spaces.
At the heart of The Kelsey's mission lies Ayer Station, a groundbreaking housing community in San Jose, California. More than just a residential complex, Ayer Station is a testament to the transformative power of inclusive design.
Ayer Station
Situated in a vibrant transit-oriented neighborhood, Ayer Station boasts 115 apartment homes designed to accommodate individuals with diverse access needs and income levels. From studios to 2-bedroom units, each residence is thoughtfully crafted to foster a sense of belonging for residents of all abilities.
Key amenities such as fitness rooms, communal terraces, and sensory gardens promote social interaction and well-being, while the Inclusion Concierge ensures that residents have access to the support services they need.
Shaping the Future of Architecture
As Ayer Station prepares to open its doors in the spring of 2024, it serves as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive future. By embracing The Kelsey Standards and prioritizing the diverse needs of society, we can pave the way for a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in celebrating inclusive design and the remarkable journey of The Kelsey in Ayer Station—a testament to what is possible when we dare to dream of a more inclusive world. Apply to live at The Kelsey Ayer Station and be a part of this transformative community.
Designing Tomorrow
Access With Skill's Vision for Inclusive Environments
In a world where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is paramount, the importance of creating spaces that cater to everyone's needs cannot be overstated. At Access With Skill, we are driven by a passionate vision to shape a world where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where comfort and accessibility are not privileges but rights. In this blog post, we delve into our mission, values, and the innovative approaches we employ to design truly inclusive environments.
Our Mission: Shaping Inclusive Environments
Our mission at Access With Skill is clear: to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered. Whether it's a residential building, a workplace, or a recreational facility, we believe that every environment should be designed with inclusivity at its core. We envision a world where diversity thrives, where individuals of all abilities can live, work, and play without barriers.
Embracing Innovation: Beyond One-Size-Fits-All
We understand that the concept of one-size-fits-all simply doesn't apply when it comes to architecture and design. That's why we embrace innovation and constantly explore alternative approaches to our work. From leveraging cutting-edge technology to incorporating sustainable materials, we strive to push the boundaries of traditional design practices. Our goal is to offer our clients a wide array of choices, ensuring that each project we undertake aligns with our vision of lively, diverse, and socially-rich environments.
Dedicated to Inclusivity: Our Approach
At Access With Skill, inclusivity is more than just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of our services. As licensed Certified Access Specialists (CASp), we provide comprehensive assessments, reviews, and inspections of properties for accessibility compliance. Our expertise is grounded in the California Building Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that our solutions are not only legally compliant but also ethically sound.
We recognize that accessibility compliance depends on various factors, including the physical site, specific code requirements, and project budget. That's why we work closely with our clients to address these constraints effectively, tailoring solutions that meet both compliance standards and the unique needs of each project.
Making an Impact: Accessibility Consulting Services
With our Accessibility Consulting Services, we aim to make a positive impact on the way environments are designed and built. Through collaboration, dedication, and expertise, we strive to create spaces that are welcoming, functional, and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Whether it's installing ramps, widening doorways, or incorporating sensory-friendly elements, we go above and beyond to ensure that our designs cater to the diverse needs of our communities.
Join Us on the Journey
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we push the boundaries of architectural design and advocate for truly inclusive environments. Together, let's build a world where access and skill converge to shape a brighter, more equitable future for all.
At Access With Skill, we believe that inclusivity is not just a goal but a responsibility. It's time to design tomorrow, today.
Join the conversation: #AccessWithSkill #InclusiveDesign #BuildingTomorrow
A Story by Analía
Limited accessibility for a day in Germany
limited accessibility for a day in Germany
“I had the opportunity to go on a student exchange in Berlin, Germany. One of the subjects I took was about designing a project that gave a lot of importance to the accessibility of the whole building. To make us more aware of how to make an inclusive design, we did an exercise of putting ourselves in the shoes of people with different disabilities. We had to go through the city center of Berlin with limited accessibility, and walk blindfolded to understand, even for a few minutes, what it is like to navigate the city as a blind person, with earplugs so we can hear less, or not hear at all, with walkers and with wheelchairs. We had to go on the sidewalks, cross the street, go to the supermarket, and even take a train. I learned how to cross a street without seeing, by hearing the sound of the traffic light, I also learned how to use a wheelchair, it was my first time on one, and it is much harder than it seems. You need a lot of arm strength to go up ramps, and if the sidewalk material is not flat, it is difficult to just go on it.
I consider that this experience was very enriching because many times as architects we are not aware in our designs of what obstacles there may be in cities or buildings that are excluding people from being able to use them.
I did this with a group of 10 people, and it was very difficult for me, I can't imagine someone doing this alone. Whether it is going up a curb on a ramp or being able to walk without seeing, it is very difficult and dangerous if there is no design to facilitate these tasks.
I think the goal is for people with disabilities to be independent and free to move around the city and buildings freely and safely without needing another person by their side.
I also consider that it is very important that architects have even a minimal notion of what it is like to use a wheelchair or walk without being able to see or hear, since many times we imagine that just by making a ramp to overcome a height we are already compliance with inclusion in the building, but in reality it goes beyond that, and a global project would have to cover all the needs.
I understand that just because I went through the city on a day with limited accessibility it’s not even a little bit what disabled people have to face every day and without anyone’s help, but at least this exercise helped me become a little more aware of the situations they face daily, and we, as architects, definitely have to take this into account when designing our projects”