Access Board To Hold Meetings in Berkeley in May

[mark handler]

On May 9, 2013 from 1:30 pm until 6:30 pm, the Access Board will hold a hearing, a panel discussion, and a reception. The hearing will focus on an upcoming Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on accessibility guidelines for ferries, cruise ships, excursion boats, and other passenger vessels. A panel discussion entitled, "Architecture and Urban Planning for the 21st Century: How Can We Foster Accessibility?" will occur after the hearing. Members of the public may ask questions and make comments. The public also is invited to attend the reception at 5:30 pm.

Location:

Ed Roberts Campus (at the Ashby BART Station)

3075 Adeline St.

Berkeley, CA 94703

 

[mark handler]

Access Board to Hold Town Hall Meeting in Berkeley on May 9

The U.S. Access Board will hold a town hall meeting in Berkeley on May 9. The event will feature a panel discussion on promoting accessibility in architecture and urban planning followed by a open dialogue on accessible design. A public hearing on proposed guidelines for passenger vessels is also tentatively scheduled as part of the program.

Participants in the panel discussion, "Architecture and Urban Planning for the 21st Century: How Can We Foster Accessibility?" will include Dennis Corelis, California’s Deputy State Architect, Professor Raymond Lifchez of the University of California at Berkeley’s Department of Architecture, and Victor Santiago Pineda, a Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of California. Board Member Michael Graves, FAIA will moderate the session.

As part of a broader discussion on accessibility, the Board will invite comments and questions from the public on accessible design as it pertains to the built environment, transportation, communication, or information technology in an “open microphone” session following the panel discussion. The program will conclude with a complimentary reception.

In coming weeks, the Board intends to release proposed accessibility guidelines for passenger vessels for public comment. If the guidelines are published in time, the Board will devote a portion of the program to a hearing that will allow interested parties to submit comment on the proposed rule.

All events are open to the public and will be held at the Osher Foundation Education Center in Berkeley from 1:30 to 5:30. For further information, contact Kathy Johnson at johnson@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0041 (voice), or (202) 272-0065 (TTY). The Board requests that attendees refrain from wearing perfume, cologne and other fragrances for the comfort of all participants.

Panel Discussion and Town Hall Meeting

May 9, 1:30 – Noon

Osher Foundation Education Center, Ed Roberts Campus Directions

3075 Adeline, Suite 220

Berkeley, CA 94703

Program

1:30 – 1:45 Welcoming remarks from Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates

1:45 – 3:45 Public Hearing on Proposed Rule on Passenger Vessels [tentative]

3:45 – 4:00 Break

4:00 – 4:45 Panel Discussion, "Architecture and Urban Planning for the 21st Century: How Can We Foster Accessibility?"

4:45 – 5:30 Open Microphone Session

5:30 – 6:30 Informal Reception (Lobby)