Let us be your tour guide to better accessibility.

11806 SE Harold                                                                    September 29, 2007
Portland, OR 97266
971-404-2982

The Portland French School
6318 SW Corbett Ave
Portland Oregon 97239                       Tel: 503-452-4160

Dear Elimane Mbengue:

I have good news to report on the disabled access project at the PFS.  I discovered on Sunday September 23 that it would be quite easy to create an accessible toilet stall in the North bathroom.

I have been going to the PFS for three years on Sunday and have worked hard to get the access improved since 2004 when I spoke to the 5th Grade Class.  It is a wonderful place for the meeting for worship with Bridge City Friends Meeting (BCFM).

Although the highest priority for improved accessibility at the school is an improved ramp for wheelchair access, creating an accessible restroom would in itself be a significant step forward.  I would hope, therefore, that you could move quickly to convert the Southern-most stall in the Northern bathroom to a fully accessible toilet stall.  This involves moving the stall partition, getting a larger door, replacing the existing toilet with a high toilet, and installing grab bars.  No plumbing changes would be required. The existing stall partition is beside the diaper-changing chest. This will likely cost less than $500.

Please consider modifying the stall as soon as possible.  I am sure you can find $500 in your budget to make this incremental improvement.  I understood that the BCFM rent was being earmarked to accessibility improvements. Although it will still be a major project to bring the entire building up to compliance with the ADA,

If it would be useful to your efforts, I will gladly donate my time to talk with volunteers or contractors as needed. As an expert in ADA compliance matters, and a wheelchair user myself, I can talk passionately and informatively about the project to your committees.

I look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely yours,

Wayne Yarnall

CC: Nancy Steensma, Administrative Coordinator

ADA Build it Right is a unique organization focused on Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) inspections and education. We concentrate on improved access through building codes, partnering with business owners, designers, developers, and contractors. Our goal is to work together to find solutions with a commitment to staying with the client until project completion and final inspection.