First Official Use of Connections and Networking!

Does this make me a professional now? A... "real" social worker?

I went to a meeting last week with the architect, the Detroit Recreation Department rep and some of the funders for our Weiss Park project. Weiss Park is a playground type thing that already exists, but with very little actual playground features and is basically a big rundown mess. The architect is a kind of front-runner on the design of "universally accessible" playgrounds, and we are essentially trying to build a play area and park that is entirely accessible (and really fun) for people of varying abilities.

Sooo, we're in this meeting. And the funders are saying "You know, this is great, but we really need the input and review of people who actually have different mobility impairments." And every one sits there scratching their heads. And of course I just went to a seminar the week before about accessible trail design and have all the contact info of the people who presented... not to mention my once-upon-a-time experience as the Vice President of the Council for Students with Disabilities at MSU. So all of a sudden I make this transition from intern listening in on an important meeting to organizer and contact person for this review of our park plans and designs to be accomplished before some of the grants are due next week. And its actually kind of fun!

P.S. If you have any input or experience advocating for accessibility, let me know!

Leah