My background

I started in the Social Services field in 2014. My primary focus has been supporting adolescents and adults with developmental and physical disabilities in the workforce. In 2019 I became disabled myself, which brought a whole new perspective to the lived experiences of those with disabilities. I take pride in using my lived experience to contribute to the diversity field, as well as inclusion within society as a whole.

WHY IS ACCESSIBILTEA IMPORTANT?

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 individuals in the United States live with a disability, of some kind. There are laws in place that require public places to adhere to certain accessibility standards, however, those laws often only cover the bare minimum. Often because businesses are protected by the part of the law that claims that certain changes must be "readily achievable". This section of the law states that businesses may be exempt if these changes would be too difficult or expensive to complete. The problem with this rule, is that the American with Disabilities Act was not ruled into law until 1992. So any business built before that time, may or may not actually be accessible to those with disabilities. Because of this, the goal of AccessibiliTEA is to provide resources and information that make it possible to find out if a location is readily accessible to you, or what barriers there may be.

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

As a person who experiences a physical disability, I hope to eventually make a collection and network of information regarding which public spaces are truly accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Sources:

Center For Disease Control, "Disability Impacts All Of Us"

American With Disabilities Act, "ADA Update- A Primer For Small Business"

WHAT IS ACCESSIBILITEA?
ACCESSIBILITEA REVIEWS

This section will review restaurants and other public venues based on their overall accessibility. This will be written mostly from the perspective of someone who experiences a physical disability, although I will try to include information that may be important to others who experience disabilities in all forms.

Grain & Gristle

1473 NE Prescott St,

Portland, OR 97211

www.grainandgristle.com

Known for farm-to-table cuisine, fresh produce, and in-house prepared and cured meats. Every single meal I have every had the pleasure of trying at Grain & Gristle has been better than the last. Their menu changes seasonally, so if you see something you want to try- don't wait long.

Grain & Gristle offers indoor and patio seating. The patio is quaint, with about 4-5 picnic-style tables. There is a tent overhead to protect from weather, and an outdoor fireplace that provides warmth year-round. Although picnic tables are often a nightmare for someone with mobility issues, these particular picnic tables have moveable benches. This would be ideal for someone if they need the bench moved to make room for a non-bending prosthetic or moved out of the way in order to pull up your wheelchair. The walkways between picnic tables is narrow in some areas due to the fireplace, so it may be ideal to request a seat closer to the entrance.

Parking:

There is a small parking lot with approximately 5 spaces. None of which are disabled parking specifically. The remainder of the parking is on the neighboring streets.

Restroom:

The restroom is single use, accessible within the main restaurant. To access from the outdoor tent/patio, it is required to take a semi-narrow, pathed path to the front entrance of the restaurant.

Entry:

The main restaurant entry is from a sidewalk on a fairly busy street. The door is a standard size single door, with no lip or steps to enter.

Tripping Hazards:

One extension cord on Patio, covered with tape and rubber to keep it in place.

Chains attaching bench to outdoor seating picnic tables.

Taqueria El Burrito

508 E 1st St,

Newberg, OR 97132

https://newbergmexicanfood.com/

Taqueria El Burrito is known for authentic, scratch made Mexican cuisine. Offering homemade tortillas, oversized burritos and a full salsa bar, I have made this restaurant part of my regular repertoire. If you are looking for comforting, craveable food to keep you warm on a cold winters day, this is your place. A burrito that is large enough for two meals is only 10 dollars, the staff are always extremely friendly and welcoming. Accessibility isn't the easiest here, but the food makes it well worth the trouble if you are able.

Parking:

Street parking is available at the front of the building. In the back of the buildings off of 2nd street, there is public parking. The public parking area does offer disability accessible parking, however, the marked spots are the furthest from the doors. There are some unmarked spots that have accessibility grids for wheelchair loading and unloading, but they are open to the public and often taken as a result.

Restroom:

The restroom is single use, within the main restaurant. Although it is open to the public, the restroom is small, has no grab bar and has limited room for mobility devices. There is a small lip or step up when entering the bathroom, this restroom is not at all accessible for wheelchair users.

Entry:

The main restaurant entry is from a sidewalk on a fairly busy street. The door is a standard size single door, with no lip or steps to enter. The door is heavy and self closing, no accessibility button is available. The backdoor entry from 2nd Street requires the use of stairs. There is a hallway that offers access to First Street businesses, however it is locked at times.

Seating: This restaurant requires you to order at the front first before seating yourself. Outdoor seating has metal tables and chairs with seasonal umbrellas. Indoor seating is comprised of large booths, as well as table and chair combinations.

Tripping Hazards:

Rug at front door entry sometimes moves and can cause a tripping hazard. The small lip at the entry of the restroom can also be a tripping hazard.