KPFA


DISABILITY ACCESS REPORT


PREPARED BY 
KPFA DISABILITY ACCESS COMMITTEE


JULY, 2007 

KPFA DISABILITY ACCESS COMMITTEE


Leah Gardner, Chandra Hauptman, Adrienne Lauby, Jan Santos,
Doyle Saylor, Gene Sharee, Ruthanne Shpiner, Eddie Ytuarte



INTRODUCTION: 

The KPFA Disability Access Committee has reviewed the KPFA disability access site 
survey and report recommendations prepared by Francie Moeller. We acknowledge 
and appreciate the work that Francie has performed. The following findings and 
recommendations support important areas of the Moeller Report, especially in regard 
to wheelchair users. However this report also addresses issues that affect a wider 
range of other types of disabilities. 

OVERALL RECOMMENDATION 

KPFA SHOULD ADOPT STANDARDS AND MAKE IMPROVEMENTS
WHICH GIVE ACCESS TO THE WIDEST POSSIBLE RANGE OF HUMAN
DIFFERENCES.


CIRCLE OF EXPERTS & ALLIES 

Jackie Barshak, Larry Buchalter, Peggy Hecker, Jane Jackson, Daveed Mandel,
Francie Moeller, Helen Walsh



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS p. I 

A. SUMMARY OF HIGH PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS p. 3 
B. GETTING INTO THE BUILDING: p. 5 
1. Front and Rear Door Access 
2. Front Entrance Door Sidewalk 
3. Rear Entrance Area. 
4. Ramp Next to Parking Lot 
5. Parking Lot 
C. ACCESS TO KPFA VIA PUBLIC TRANSIT AND PARATRANSIT p. 5 
D. GETTING AROUND THE BUILDING: pp. 6-14 
A. COMMON AREAS pp. 6-8 
1. Interior Doors 
2. Outlets & Light Switches 
3. First Floor Hallway & Lobby 
4. Restrooms 
5. Elevator 
6. Coffee Area/Kitchen 
7. Outdoor Patio 
B. INDIVIDUAL ROOMS pp. 8-14 
1. Performance Studio 
2. Music Library 
3. News Room 
4. News Studio 
5. 2nd Floor Conference Room 
6. Mailbox Room 
7. Subscription Room 
8. Staff & Copy Room (Left of Front Entry) 
9. Main Control Room 
10. Main Control Studios (left & right of Main Control Room) 
11. Apprentice Office and Side Room 
12. Downstairs (rear) Production & Control Rooms 
13. Ujima Office 
14. Business Office 
15. New World Office 
16. Northwest Corner Office & Studio (2nd Floor) 
17. Other Offices 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS continued 

E. PHYSICAL PLANT pp.14-15 
1. Signs 
2. Environmental/Chemical Sensitivities 
3. Purchase of Digital Equipment 
4. Air Circulation 
5. Medium-Sized Studio 
F. USING EQUIPMENT pp.16-17 
G. USING RESOURCES -SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES pp.17-19 
1. Information, Training, Orientation 
2. Employment Posting, Individual Accommodations 
3. Event Venues 
H. DISABILITY ACCESS TO KPFA LSB ELECTIONS pp.19-21 
APPENDIX A: PRIORITY RANKING DEFINITIONS p. 22 

APPENDIX B: RELEVANT LAWS p. 23 

APPENDIX C: KPFA DISABILITY ACCESS BUDGET PRIORITIES p. 24 

APPENDIX D: DEAF ACCESS RESOURCES AND INFORMATION p. 25 

APPENDIX E: ACCESS TO PACIFICA BD. MEETINGS IN BERKELEY p. 27 

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SUMMARY OF HIGH PRIORITY* RECOMMENDATIONS


1. 
Provide accessible entry to building in off hours. (Sec. B) Upgrade entry doors and 
door code pads to accessible standards. (Sec. B, 1-3) 
2. 
Move Disabled Parking Space (Sec. B, 5) 
3. 
Change door hardware, outlets and light switches to accessible designs. (Sec. D, A, 1-2) 
4. 
Provide proper disabled access signs for restrooms and wrap water pipes. (Sec. D, A. 4) 
5. 
Clear out the bad odor in the elevator and upgrade with lights for deaf persons and 
raised letter and large print signage. (Sec. D, A, 5) 
6. 
Scent-Free Policy: Repost signs informing people that the building is a scent-free 
environment. Require cleaning staff to use scent-free cleaning products and restore 
the use of unscented hand soap in restrooms. (Sec. D, A, 3, 4 & 5; Sec. E, 1, 2 & 4) 
7. 
Make timetable for digitalization of music library and set up temporary access systems 
until that is complete. (Sec. D, B. 2) 
8. 
Change 2nd floor conference room furniture to ensure accessibility to people with 
disabilities. (Sec. D, B, 5) 
9. 
Provide adaptive equipment for blind access, including raised letter and large print 
labeling, to main control room and side studios (Sec. D, B, 9) 
10. 
Research and evaluate new digital equipment carefully before purchase for access 
feature and barriers to access. (Sec. E) 
11. 
Conduct careful research and evaluate new equipment before purchase to ensure 
accessibility. (Sec. F) 
12. 
Provide sensitivity training for all paid and unpaid staff on disability access issues and 
provide orientation to new staff on KPFA accessibility. (Sec. G, 1) 
13. 
Address Individual staff needs for access accommodations. (Sec. G, 2) 
14. 
Reach out to potential applicants with disabilities in employment postings. (Sec. G, 2) 
15. 
Require that all KPFA-produced and meetings be held in accessible venues and work 
with co-sponsors to make all co-sponsored events more accessible. (Sec. G, 3) 
16. 
Provide accessible ballot and voting materials for all KPFA Elections (Sec. H) 
* Priority rankings are defined in Appendix A on page 18. 
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B. GETTING INTO THE BUILDING
1. 
FRONT AND REAR DOOR ACCESS: 
HIGH PRIORITY 
Findings:


There are several impediments to building access for people with disabilities. The KPFA 
Disability Access Committee, ranks independent access to the building as our highest 
priority. We have been advised that money has been allocated in KPFAÕs FYÕ08 budget to 
address this issue and to ensure that all three entrance doorways (two at the front of the 
building and one at the rear) are made fully accessible. 

Resolution: 

Immediate and Temporary Solution: 

An immediate and temporary solution would be to allocate rotating staff to be stationed at the 
front door receptionistÕs area, during weekends and nights to accommodate entrance to the 
building for people with disabilities until the entrance doors are made accessible. 

Permanent Resolutions: 

o 
Install an accessible door opening system; 
o 
Establish a longer delay time than the current keypad access system to allow more time 
for wheelchair access; 
o 
Proposed swipe card solution will not work for many disabled people; 
o 
Move keypad closer to door opening and low enough to be reachable from a wheelchair; 
o 
Lessen the door load to 8
¥ 
lbs or less; 
o 
Install a blinking light in the main on air studio so that the person in the studio will know 
that someone is waiting for assisted access at the front entrance door. 
o 
Install raised buttons and larger numbers (for low vision) on the keypads at the entrance 
doors. 
2. 
FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR SIDEWALK: HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding: 

This sidewalk slopes away from the doors, causing a person in a chair/scooter to roll downhill 
and backwards while trying to open the entrance door(s). 

Resolution:


Change the angle of the slope


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3. REAR ENTRANCE AREA: HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding: 

This area is inaccessible to people with disabilities due to clutter from refuse storage and
bicycle parking.
Resolution:
This area must be kept clear. Relocate garbage cans and bicycle parking.


4. RAMP NEXT TO PARKING LOT HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding:


Current sidewalk ramp is hazardous. At least one person has fallen as a result of uneven
surface. This area must be kept clear.
Resolution:
Install yellow stripping on the step leading to the back sidewalk ramp.


5. PARKING LOT: HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding:


The current disabled parking spot needs to be redone to allow for the mandated 9' x 8' van
unloading spot.
Partial Resolution:
Move disabled parking space to center rear of lot for easier access and easier expansion of


parking area to accommodate vans with ramps.


C. ACCESS TO KPFA VIA PUBLIC TRANSIT AND PARATRANSIT 
Findings: 

Transportation is available via BART, Berkeley Paratransit and the Berkeley Bus System, 
which lets you off right at the corner of University and Martin Luther King. 

5 


The Paratransit drivers cannot gain access to the building to pick up their passengers during 
non-staff hours (see Section A above). Receptionists have not been trained to provide 
transit and access information and access assistance. 

Resolution: 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 

o 
Train receptionists and other staff 
o 
Receptionists need basic transportation phone numbers and related information (including 
Paratransit) for program guests and other visitors. 
D. GETTING AROUND THE BUILDING 
A. COMMON AREAS 
1. 
Interior Doors: HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding and Resolution:
Ensure that all door hardware is changed to accessible designs.


2. 
Outlets and Light Switches HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding and Resolution:
Ensure that all outlets and light switches are measured and adjusted for wheelchair reach.


3. 
First Floor Hallway & Lobby: MEDIUM PRIORITY 
Finding and Resolution: 

Ensure that first floor hallway and lobby are fully accessible by installing better lighting and 
cleared of all encumbrances by posting signs prohibiting bicycle parking and storage of 
boxes. 

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4. 
Restrooms: HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding:
All bathrooms need to be made fully accessible.
Resolution:
Make all four restrooms more accessible by providing raised button and large print letter


signs and other door signs on entrance sides of all doors at 60" from floor. Wrap hot water 
pipes. Restore the use of unscented soap. 

5. 
Elevator: HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding:
Make the elevator fully accessible.
Resolution:


o 
Install directional lights (up and down) on elevator control panels inside and outside. 
o 
Add raised button and large letter sign inside and outside, Braille on buttons. There is no 
hearing-impaired emergency phone, hence, no way for the deaf to let anyone know 
theyÕre trapped in the elevator. Add emergency call button. There is an emergency pull 
button. 
o 
There is a rank odor in this elevator, which must be eliminated. Even without 
environmental illness, it is sickening to go in this elevator with this smell. Have 
professionals come in and take care of odor immediately. 
6. 
Coffee/Kitchen Area: 
LOW PRIORITY 
Finding: 

Coffee/kitchen area is crowded and no grabbers are available for added access for sink,
refrigerator, and cabinets.
Resolutions:


o 
Place smaller chairs in this area and rearrange to allow more maneuvering room (Five 
feet clear turning radius at the end of each aisle and in front of each door) and to 
accommodate at least one wheelchair around the coffee table. 
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o 
Add raised letter and large print letter signage on Microwave oven. 
o 
Make grabber available. 
7. 
Outdoor Patio (2ND fl)
: 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 
Findings: 

Getting to the patio is difficult because the furniture in the coffee area blocks a clear path of 
travel. Only one Patio door opens well, the other does not. The ramp going to the Patio is not 
in compliance with the ADA and unsafe for use by people in wheelchairs or scooters. 

The outdoor table is too big and impedes someone in a chair/scooter from turning around and 
leaving the area. The Patio cannot easily accommodate two or more chairs/scooters at one 
time. 

Resolutions: 

o 
Doors need to have proper hardware and both entrance doors need to be able to be 
opened 
o 
Fix doors and remove barrier and bring ramp into total compliance. 
o 
Make sure it has proper banister and railings and level landing at top. 
o 
Consider putting in either adjustable bar-type tables or a folding table attached to the 
wall. This will give everyone more room in the Patio and allow for a clearer path of travel. 
B. INDIVIDUAL ROOMS 
1. 
The Performance Studio: 
LOW PRIORITY 
Findings:
The performance studio is intended for live performances and meetings:
Live Performances:
We do not support any recommendation to section it off into smaller rooms since this would


negate its ability to be used for live performances.
This studio is currently accessible for most performers. However, the needs of performers 
with disabilities were not assessed in the Moeller Report.


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Resolution:


Inform producers that engineering help is available for the use of the performance studio for 
a
large number of guests with disabilities.
Meetings:


This studio is accessible to meeting attendees with mobility disabilities. However, we
recommend that a laptop computer, loaded with accessibility tools, be made available to
accommodate people with disabilities who attend meetings and want to take notes. (See
Equipment Use, Sec. F, pg 6-7). This research should be completed and necessary 
modifications scheduled within 12 months.


2. 
Music Library: HIGH PRIORITY 
Finding:
This room is not accessible to most people with disabilities.
Interim Solutions:


o 
List (Catalog) current and new CDs into a computer that is accessible to all. 
o 
Assign staff member to pull CDs for those who cannot access music and other recordings 
from the current collection at least during regular business hours. 
o 
Assign and train staff to produce audio and Braille copies of text accompanying CDs 
within three days of request. 
o 
Post a sign with Braille translation stating music access procedure and encourage all paid 
and unpaid staff to assist in off hours. 
Permanent Solutions: 

o 
Establish timetable for digitalization of current music library. (Note: Dan Albers has 
already begun this process). 
o 
Assign staff to input new material. Begin with the material that is most useful to those to 
whom the current library is inaccessible. 
3. 
Newsroom HIGH PRIORITY 
Findings: 

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o 
This area has several desks and workstations. Behind the workstations, there are shelves 
on the walls which hold reference materials, i.e., phone books, reverse directories, etc. 
o 
The shelves can only be reached by leaning over the desks and extending forward and 
upward. It is impossible for someone in a chair or scooter, a person of short stature, or 
someone with a lifting restriction to reach these materials. There are no available ladders 
or good grippers; there are no convertible step stools or other devices. 
o 
A laser printer rests on a high table which can only be used if one is standing. 
Resolutions: 
o 
Provide accessible resources to reach reference materials and a list of what resources 
are available in an accessible location using accessible formats. 
o 
Lower laser printer to make it more accessible. Train staff to assist those with mobility 
impairments. Add disability assistance to job descriptions. 
4. 
News Studio: (see other recording studios for findings and recommendations) 
5. 
Second Floor Conference Room: HIGH PRIORITY 
Findings: 

o 
The furniture in this room is too large to accommodate wheelchairs and/or scooters. 
o 
The current furniture configuration violates both ADA and fire codes. 
Resolution: 
o 
Purchase smaller chairs and a smaller table. Take all extra chairs away. 
o 
Rearrange the furniture to accommodate wheelchair access. 
6. 
Mailbox Room: LOW PRIORITY 
Findings: 

There is no turning radius in this room to accommodate wheelchair or scooters users who 
want to pick up their mail. The reach ranges are also difficult for a chair or scooter user. 
There are no obvious access problems for the current staff that fill the mail slots. 

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Interim Solution:
Place a grabber in the room for those with mobility issues and train receptionists and staff in


nearby offices to assist people who wish to pick up or drop off mail. Assign and make public 
the name of a staff member who is regularly available for this task.
Permanent Solution:
Move the mailboxes.


7. 
Subscription Room: LOW PRIORITY 
Findings: 

Because the fund drive work is central to KPFA and a major point of physical contact with 
listeners, it is particularly important that it be made accessible for volunteers with disabilities. 

This room is very large with wide-enough aisles. However there is no table or desk that is 
high or deep enough for someone in a chair/scooter to sit under. The forms for recording 
phone subscriptions are not available by computer screen with accessible software for large 
print and audio format. Most of the subscription materials are too high for a person in a chair 
or scooter to reach. 

Resolutions: 

o 
Install a sit/stand workstation. 
o 
Raise at least one table and desk to a minimum of 29" by using blocks or wood. This will 
also help very tall people. 
o 
Purchase grabbers for those in chairs and scooters. 
o 
Make subscription materials available via computer with accessible software. (See Using 
Equipment (laptop) Sec. F. pp 6-7.) 
8. 
Staff Offices & Copy Room (Left of Front Entry): LOW PRIORITY 
Findings: 

Room is very open with cubicles, which suit the needs of the people there, other than the fact 
that none of the desks have a (2)(9)" clearance for someone in a chair/scooter and all have a 
high reach range. 

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Recommendation:
Consider a sit/stand workstation as option for employee use.


9. Main Control Room 
Finding: HIGH PRIORITY 
There is no blind access for the function of control room engineer. This room has not been 
thoroughly evaluated for use by current individuals or in general for people with limited reach,
low vision and other disabilities (See Physical Plant, sec. E)
.
Resolutions:


o 
Purchase an adaptive aid which provides audio access to volume levels. 
o 
Do the necessary evaluations and make time table for modifications. 
Finding: 
LOW PRIORITY 

This very large room is to the right of the main lobby. There are some reach-range problems 
for people with disabilities.
Resolutions:


o 
Provide training for Board Operators on how to correctly seat and set up microphones for 
a range of disabilities 
o 
Before purchase of new digital equipment, evaluate carefully for the potential to provide 
new access barriers access in such things as control panels. (See Sec. E, 3) 
o 
Computer controls for many digital functions will require adaptive software. 
10. 
Studios to Left & Right of Main Control Room: 
LOW PRIORITY 
Finding: 

Both studios are on the small side. Neither can hold more than two chairs or scooters at one
time.
Resolution:
Consider enlarging one studio for the use of multiple people with disabilities


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11. Apprentice Office and Side Room: 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 
Findings and Resolutions: 

Subsequent to the Moeller access audit, a person with blindness has been accepted into the 
Apprentice Program and adequate accommodations are being made in the program and 
apprentice room including the installation of JAWS software (see Appendix B, footnote b). 

o 
Because of the importance of entrance-level training provided by the Apprenticeship 
Program, this would be a good place for one of the sit-stand stations. 
O 
Provide ladders, good grippers, convertible step stools or other devices for access to high 
shelves. 

o 
Consider installing a work station to accommodate an accessible laptop computer. (See 
Sec. G. p. 15-16) 
12. 
Downstairs (rear) Production & Control Rooms: 
LOW PRIORITY 
Finding: 

None of the interview rooms is big enough to interview more than two persons in small
wheelchairs and only one person in a scooter or large electric wheelchair.
Interim Solution:
Inform producers that the engineering staff will help with production work in the Performance


Studio if necessary.
Final Resolution:
Consider moving a wall to expand the size of one of the studios.


13. 
Ujima Room: 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 
Finding and Resolution:
Consider installing sit-stand stations and a work station for an accessible laptop computer


13



14. 
Business Office: 
LOW PRIORITY 
Finding: 

Although the room was quite full, there was enough room for a chair/scooter to turn around. 
Everything could be moved around to accommodate a person in a chair or scooter, if need 
be. 

15. New World Office: 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 
Finding and Resolution: 

This room is large enough for the installation of a sit-stand workstation; aids for 
reaching/grabbing and a work station for an accessible laptop computer. (See: G. Using 
Equipment p. 6-7) 

16. Northwest Corner Office & Studio (2nd floor)
. 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 
Findings and Resolution: 

Consider sit-stand stations, work station for accessible laptop computer and aids for 
reaching/grabbing. 

17. 
Other Offices: 
LOW PRIORITY 
Findings and Resolution: 

Several offices were locked. Others were not evaluated. Any room not referred to in this 
report should be evaluated separately. Individual office spaces are generally a low priority 
unless an office belongs to a person with a disability that has not been addressed. 

E. PHYSICAL PLANT 
Findings: 

o 
As recently as 6 years ago, KPFA was a chemical free/scent free workplace with ÒScent-
Free WorkplaceÓ signs prominently posted throughout the building. This policy has been 
allowed to fall into disuse bringing significant danger to those with Multiple Chemical 
Sensitivities. 
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o 
Digital equipment is being purchased without knowing if alternative models and 
companies provide more accessible options. 
o 
All studios, except the Performance Studio, are too small for the simultaneous use by 
more than one wheelchair user. 
o 
Questions about air quality and/or circulation have been raised. 
Resolutions: 
HIGH PRIORITY 

o 
Immediately reinstitute Scent-Free workplace policy. Create/post permanent signage 
indicating that KPFA is a ÒScent-Free WorkplaceÓ. 
o 
Ask cleaning service to replace all cleaning products with environmentally safe and 
unscented products. If necessary, replace service. 
o 
Restore the placement of unscented soap in all restrooms. 
o 
Post a prominent sign in common area with name, position and extension number of the 
KPFA Disability Access Point Person and the location of a file with American for Disability 
Access and Section 504 regulations of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.* 
o 
Purchase of new digital equipment must be researched carefully and evaluated for its 
potential to provide new barriers for access to control panels and other features. Most 
computer controls for digital functions will require adaptive software. 
o 
Research air quality needs of current users and assess the need for further ventilation, 
especially in rooms with closed doors. 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 

o 
Improve accessibility to computers, consoles, telephone modules and other components 
by adding Braille and large print labels and produce Braille and large print charts for patch 
bays. 
LOW PRIORITY 

o 
At least one studio/interview room should be expanded to hold at least four people in 
wheelchairs and/or scooters. Consideration should be given to load-bearing walls and 
any expansion should not require they be moved. 
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F. 
USING EQUIPMENT 
Finding: 

Conversion to digitalization will not resolve access problems for people who are blind or 
visually impaired. Digitalization brings new options for accessibility but may also bring new 
barriers for equipment access. 

Resolution: 
HIGH PRIORITY 

Conduct careful research and evaluate new equipment before purchase to ensure that new 
and different accessibility barriers are not created. 

Finding: 

There is no equipment or resource point person for people with disabilities. Individuals with 
access problems have no one to go to about access issues. Although some individuals are 
helpful, a general lack of disability awareness among staff creates an alienating environment 
where problems remain unsolved and a source of frustration for people with disabilities. 

Resolutions: 
HIGH PRIORITY 

o 
Identify a point person for people with disabilities who can problem solve individual access 
issues and identify solutions. 
o 
The computer and web staff members could be point people for computer-related access 
issues. 
o 
Some equipment needs to be made accessible. For example: 
-Raise some work tables to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. 
-Provide remedies for people with carpal tunnel (the Technology Center in Berkeley 
is a resource for ideas in alleviating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
)
-Research different types of chairs for people with back injuries.
-Create Sit-Stand work stations in various locations
-Continue to install computers with voice-activated software.
-Continue to install Braille printers


o 
We propose the purchase of several accessible laptop computers with as much adaptive 
software as we can identify and afford. These computers should be able to plug into the 
KPFA network and be used by people with disabilities for audio editing and other 
functions in any office or department of the station. In addition, people with disabilities 
unable to work at the station should be able to check them out for work at home. 
o 
We recommend the purchase of various software applications for these laptop computers 
and desk top computers already in use for people with different disabilities. For example: 
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-JAWS (Job Access with Speech) Ð a voice output system for people who are blind. 

-Dragon Dictate -voice recognition software for people with limited mobility, 
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and other disabilities. Can provide limited transcriptions for 
people who are deaf 

G. 
USING RESOURCES --SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES 
Finding: 

Lack of information is a major barrier to accessibility at KPFA. All staff lack sensitivity training, 
ADA and 504 Regulations (See Appendix B) awareness, and other access training. There is 
no orientation or signage to point the way to help for people with disabilities and to inform 
people about current options for accessibility. 

Resolutions: 

1. 
Information, Training, Orientation HIGH PRIORITY 
o 
Provide disability orientation and training to all staff 
o 
Provide sensitivity training to all paid and unpaid staff. 
o 
Disseminate July 2007 Pacifica National Board training on ADA & 504 legislation (see 
Appendix B) to all paid and unpaid staff. 
o 
Produce and distribute orientation handbooks, which explain and give location of 
accessibility tools. Handbook should list staff names and contact numbers pegged to 
specific accessibility functions. 
o 
All written information should be provided in large print, electronic format, or Braille text 
when requested. 
o 
Identify a point person among staff who is tasked with access requests and providing 
access information. This person should identify various disability experts and resources 
in the local community and keep this contact information readily available. 
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2. 
Employment: HIGH PRIORITY 
Findings and Resolutions: 

o 
The station should reach out to the disabled community by posting job announcements, 
as well as announcements for the apprentice and other training programs, on disabled 
web sites and with disability organizations and facilities that serve the disabled 
community. 
o 
Staff should receive training on how to address the needs of the disabled when 
conducting job and/or training interviews. Should an employee with a disability wish to 
notify management of his/her particular access issues, the following steps should be 
taken to ensure that his/her needs are addressed. 
o 
A meeting should be held between the employee and the employer to develop a menu of 
ideas to accommodate that individualÕs special needs.* Grant funding should be sought 
for accommodations for unpaid staff and volunteers. 
o 
The employer and the employee should then identify effective accommodations to enable 
the employee to adequately perform his/her job(s). The Berkeley Technical Assistance 
Center and the Job Accommodation Network is a resource for identifying adaptive 
equipment needs. The agreed-upon special accommodations should be implemented or 
installed. The employer should check back with the worker(s) to ensure that the revised 
equipment is suitable. 
o 
Medical information should be kept in a separate, sealed file whose information may be 
used only with the permission of the employee/volunteer. 
3. 
Accessible Event Venues 
Finding and Resolution: 
HIGH PRIORITY 

KPFA produced and/or sponsored events are not always located in accessible venues 
therefore KPFA should ensure that all KPFA produced and/or sponsored events be held 
accessible venues. 

Finding: 

Despite sincere attempts to promote wheelchair access by the Apprentice-produced KPFA 
ÒWeekly CalendarÓ, events and meetings produced, promoted and announced on KPFA are 
held in venues with a wide range of accessibilities or lack thereof. This causes people with 
disabilities attempting to attend events which are inaccessible and not risking attendance at 
events which are accessible. 

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Resolutions: 
MEDIUM PRIORITY 

Conduct a survey of all frequently utilized arts, culture, music and political venues to: 

o 
Identify their degree of accessibility. While doing that, make sure there is proper seating 
for mobility disabled and those with chemical sensitivity. Mobility disabled should have a 
choice to sit with their contingent, preferably on the aisle, and a companion seat must be 
put with each person. Also, if seated in the front row, there should be no standees in front. 
Those with chemical sensitivity may be put in a chemical-free area. 
o 
An access coordinator and/or volunteers should draw up a list of surveyed sites to be 
given to all staff that arrange or participate in sponsored events so that event planners 
can use this list to plan events in only accessible sites or where reasonable 
accommodations exist to address the needs of people with disabilities such as the 
availability of portable bathroom facilities that are accessible. It is hard to find out ahead 
of time whether many of the events announced on the air are truly accessible. Many 
disabled listeners have heard of events announced on air only to arrive at the venue and 
not be able to gain access in a chair/scooter or to use the bathroom. 
o 
Notice should be given as to whom should be contacted for special needs requests, such 
as loop systems, Braille, large print and ASL interpreters, etc.; and cut-off dates should be 
listed. The deaf and hard-of-hearing communities have no access to most event venues 
because it is rare that a sign-language interpreter or loop system is available. 
o 
A list of common venues used, with detailed access information and telephone contact 
information, should be developed and kept at the switchboard for callersÕ use during 
business hours. Accessibility needs vary greatly and no venue will be completely 
accessible to everyone with a disability. However, venues are relatively stable and such a 
list will not need a great deal of updating in order to greatly improve service both to the 
disabled and venue managers.* The KPFA Access Group recommends against the 
posting of a universal sign of accessibility until it is in compliance with all Federal and 
California Title 24 Access laws. However, ADA Compliance would note that the chance of 
finding any location in full compliance with all federal and state laws is remote, at best. 
H. 
DISABILITY ACCESS TO KPFA LSB ELECTIONS High Priority 
Finding: 

No coordinated effort has been made to meet the needs of Local Station Board voters or 
candidates, either staff or listeners who live with disabilities. Voters have had little or no 
response when requesting accessible materials and ballots. This has led to the alienation of 
potential voters, seriously obstructing candidates who campaign from that community or 
having a disability rights platform. 

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Resolution: 

Access procedures must be institutionalized in the election process especially in the provision 
of accessible ballots. Recommended procedures are: 

o 
Notification: All recruitment and announcement materials must carry these sentences. 
Contact _____(e-mail address & phone)_________ by ______(date)________ for 
reasonable accommodation for voters with disabilities. Ballots in alternative formats are 
available. 

Election Materials: Prepare to answer requests for print versions of all information and 
leave ample time for materials to travel by postal mail. Monitor phone messages to 
accommodate those without computer access. All materials should be available in alternative 
formats (large print, Braille or audio tape) on request. Encourage candidates with disabilities 
by including text on advance materials that serious attempts to meet the specific needs of 
people with disabilities will be made, particularly during the campaign season. 

o 
Post all candidate and voter materials on websites so they can be enlarged with website 
enlargement commands, and read with JAWS audio software, and other disability-related 
hardware and software. Use plenty of text on the web site and label all graphic information 
and links in some way. Avoid using [PDF] files as they are notoriously difficult for screen 
reader software programs such as JAWS to use. Michael Manoochehri, KPFAÕs web 
director, is skilled in these techniques and may be a resource for this. Its likely PacificaÕs 
web person, Pete Korakis, and others around the network also have these skills. 
o 
Early posting on websites may provide access for computer-using voters with low vision, 
blindness and limited hand mobility but it is not a cure-all. Individual needs, especially for 
those with limited mobility, must be respected and addressed on a case-by-case basis. 
Frequently, access involves work with individuals to meet specific limitations. However, 
some accommodations should be prepared in advance with other materials. This 
includes large print ballots (16 pt or larger) and a procedure to produce Braille materials 
on request. KPFA has operating Braille printers. 
Voter Lists: Require those who gather staff and subscription lists to include a check off box 
for access needs. Collect information about specific needs on an ongoing basis and 
establish formats where it is available as needed. Procedures to transfer this information 
from election cycle to election cycle are crucial to ensure that individuals and election officials 
will not have to start fresh with each election cycle. 

Election Events and Ballot Counting: Like other Pacifica and station-sponsored events, 
these must be held in accessible locations. This includes such things as accessible 
bathrooms, entrance via ramps or single level doors, ground floor meeting rooms or elevator 
service, and a scent-free policy. Advance publicity must include notice that accommodations 

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for accessibility needs are available with reasonable advance notice and notice of the scent-
free policy. Materials produced for these meetings should also be available in large print 
versions. 

Ballots: Ballots present a particular problem because the goal of providing independent, 
private voting appears to conflict with the necessity for secure safe ballot counts. 

o 
In the short term, consider meeting some accessible ballot needs with a secure website 
area and passwords linked to specific voters with disabilities. Another possibility is phone 
voting with an ID number. Braille ballots are an option for some, but would have to be 
produced by a company skilled in printing text next to a Braille check box so that the vote 
could be read by sighted ballot counters, or people who read Braille would have to count 
in each location. 
o 
Produce large print ballots (16 pt or greater) in advance to mail to voters on request. 
o 
Large Print, Audio Tapes and Braille materials will require additional postage; adjust for 
this slight increase in budget. 
o 
Early outreach to voters will determine the success of this effort, especially in the first few 
cycles before procedures become institutionalized. 
Look to the Future: These procedures do not cover the needs of all people with specific 
limitations. Welcome feedback from those who cannot vote despite these options and 
election officialsÕ best efforts. Consider these people as experts in beta testing our work and 
helping us build greater accessibility into future election cycles. 

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APPENDIX A: DEFINITION OF PRIORITY RANKINGS


HIGH 

Recommendations required for compliance with ADA, 504 and Fire Code 
Legislation (See Appendix B) and/or achievable recommendations that ensure 
basic safe and accessible working conditions for all paid and unpaid staff 
including people with disabilities. 

MEDIUM 

Health and safety issues not covered by legislation. 

LOW 

Issues that affect relatively few individuals and/or require great expense to 
remedy. 

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APPENDIX B. RELEVANT LAWS


Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 stipulates that no entity 
receiving Federal financial assistance of any kind can deny someone, by virtue 
of her/his handicap, equal participation in what the entity offers. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 expanded Section 504 to cover 
Non-Federally assisted programs and public facilities to the private sector. 

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APPENDIX C: 
KPFA DISABILITY ACCESS PRIORITY BUDGET 
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 

Below are the budget high priority recommendations prepared by the KPFA Disability Access 
Committee for KPFAÕs Fiscal Year 2008 budget. Each recommendation constitutes a top 
priority budget recommendation for the upcoming fiscal year and consequently the listing 
does not represent a priority order: 

1. 
Ensure that all building entrances are accessible per Federal and State of California 
disability access regulations; 
2. 
Institute sensitivity training for all KPFA staff (paid, unpaid and volunteer) regarding 
people with disabilities and disability access issues; 
3. 
Test and purchase software equipment such as Dragon Dictate1 to enable deaf access to 
all KPFA programs; 
4. 
Review progress on creation of accessible work stations for disabled programmers at 
KPFA and complete three such stations. Current work is focused on the software 
program JAWS2 and Braille printers. Consider hardware and software modifications for 
accessibility for a wider pool of people with disabilities such as Zoom Text23, Dragon 
Dictate, foot pedals and ports4 for respiration-activated devices. 
5. 
Complete creation of a fully accessible music database that can be installed on the hard 
drive of all KPFA computers 
Footnotes: 

1 

Dragon Dictate is software which processes voice into text for those with limited hand and 
finger mobility. It may also be used to process pre-recorded audio into text. 

2 

JAWS is voice activated software 

3 

Zoom Text2 makes the print on the screen larger 

4 

foot pedals and ports for respiration-activated devices provide access for some with muscle 
impairments affecting both voice and arms. 

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APPENDIX D: DEAF ACCESS RESOURCES AND INFORMATION*


The needs of the hearing impaired are somewhat different from the needs of the deaf. For 
instance, the hearing impaired often can use the loop system and do not necessarily read 
sign language. Many come to hearing impairment later in life, are accustomed to hearing, 
listening to radio, watching TV and meeting in large groups of people, and want to continue to 
participate in the manner in which theyÕve participated in the past. It would benefit 
Pacifica/KPFA radio stations to learn how to work with this community by doing workshops 
with and for the hearing impaired to discover how best to serve their needs. 

While we acknowledge that audio for the deaf seems to be a contradiction, the suggestions 
below from the KPFA Access Group* should be made a part of our long range planning. 

A. INTRO: 
In order for the station to provide services to the deaf population, KPFA needs to 
consider how to provide real time captioning of programs. IBM Via Voice provides a 
multi-voice package in Beta testing that can cost effectively meet that demand in lieu 
of sign language translators. In the station, communications between the interviewers 
on phone conferences to interviewees is similarly met by Via Voice, as are face to face 
meetings. This then should be linked in the internet archives to programs so that the 
deaf community can access programming content. 
B. GALLAUDET RESOURCE: 
IBM Embedded ViaVoice¨ Enterprise Edition is IBM's flagship speech recognition and 
Text-To-Speech product for embedded applications. Whether your voice application is 
for a handheld device, an automobile or something in between, the need to increase 
productivity with the ease of voice is creating widespread opportunities on a global 
scale. IBM Embedded ViaVoice Enterprise Edition's tools and features allow 
developers to create powerful and user-friendly applications quickly and efficiently. 
IBM Embedded ViaVoice, Enterprise Edition includes features that can improve 
accuracy and performance such as: 

o 
N-Best -N-Best technology provides the capability for an application to return one or more 
similar phrase matches so the user can select the correct word or phrase and complete 
the request. 
o 
Homonym support -The homonym function offers the user words with identical 
pronunciations to allow the user to choose the one they are seeking. 
o 
JAVA¨ application support -IBM's JSAPI Focus technology allows multiple Java voice-
enabled applications to run together in the same Java Virtual Machine (JVM), sharing the 
speech engine. 
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Related Websites: 

http://www-(3)0(6).ibm.com/software/pervasive/embedded_viavoice_enterprise/ 

http://www-(1)(2)(8).ibm.com/developerworks/websphere/zones/voice/ 

C. 
WEBSPHERE VIA TECHNICAL LIBRARY: FAQs on captioning: 
FAQs on captioning: 

A radio broadcast can, however, be simulcast on the Internet and captioned there. In 
February of 1997, there was an article in Newswaves entitled "Closed-Captioned 
Radio," which described how it was being done with various non-radio broadcasts 
already, including a weekly talk show for Discovery Communications. In July of 1998, 
"ON A ROLL" Radio (a defunct talk show on disability issues) began simulcasting on 
the RapidText Web site and captioning their show. 

D. 
CAPTIONING ON THE INTERNET: 
It can be done. At least two companies are doing this. Realtime captions are created 
during a live event, and then transmitted through a Web page, Internet Chat (IRC), 
iChat, WebChat, America Online, CompuServe, or some similar online system. This 
can be done for radio programs, including the audio. The first such captioning job that 
didn't require special hardware or proprietary network systems was Al Gore's 
"Information Superhighway" speech in (1994). 

E. 
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CAPTIONS ON THE INTERNET: 
1) 
Cybercasts Pose Alternatives to Videoconferencing article from the National Law 
Journal, June, 1997. 

2) 
Internet Captioning Seminar for the Washington Shorthand Reporters Association, 
April, 1997. 

3) 
Closed-Captioned Radio Article from Newswaves, February, 1997. 

4) 
Can video conferences be captioned? A question from the "Overview" part of this 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

5) 
Can a radio broadcast be captioned? A question from the "Overview" part of this 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

* 
The information on ÒDeaf Access to ResourcesÓ in this Appendix was prepared by 
Doyle Saylor of the KPFA Disability Access Committee 
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APPENDIX E: ACCESS TO PACIFICA BOARD MEETINGS HELD IN BERKELEY


Transit is available via BART, Berkeley Paratransit and the Berkeley Bus System, which lets 
you off down the street from the building at the corner of University and Martin Luther King. 
However, KPFA and Pacifica staff training is needed to ensure that transportation is 
accessible to/from the hotels and meeting locations for disabled local residents and out of 
town guests. 

Since special transportation to a particular location may be needed, it is necessary for the 
staff planning the meetings to be aware of all available forms of transportation (including 
Paratransit) to and from airports, hotels and meeting and reception locations so that guests 
and local visitors may be advised of availability. 

It is also helpful to check to see on back-up plans for super shuttle, taxi and limousine 
services. A list of rental car services with accessible vehicles, their availability and contact 
information should be developed. This information should be available in a binder, and on-
site at the meeting and hotel locations, as well as online, so it is handy for staff and 
participants to access. 

Additionally, it would help to have a list of repair and rental locations for wheelchairs and 
scooters and a list of accessible sites where new batteries can be obtained. 

27