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From the CEO

A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.

- Louis Kahn

We know Louis Kahn as the world renown architect of Fort Wayne’s own Performing Arts Center; a space that is uniquely Fort Wayne. But his quote about a great building resonated with me as AWS Foundation staff were moving into our new home on West Jefferson Boulevard. I don’t mean to equate our office building to the unique structures designed by Kahn but we have tried to make our own “great building.”

Thanksgiving Week we moved into our space. It was more than two years ago that we started discussions of a new home. How would we measure accessible, inclusive, and welcoming? How could we model for others universal design?

The first thing we learned was that accessible means different things to different people and all we could do was try to do the best. Many elements are clearly measurable. Doors are extra wide. Thresholds are minimal. Hallways are spacious. Tables and counters are at specific heights. …and the list goes on.

What is unmeasurable is the message of welcoming. If we have done it right, there is an openness to all the community. If you continue reading, PJ has written about the inclusiveness of our building. How do you observe what is NOT there? No barriers to entry. No unopenable doors. No loss of dignity or respect. Whether visitor, employee, intern, volunteer or guest we hope we have made you feel invited to this place. For as Frank Lloyd Wright said: "A building is not just a place to be but a way to be."

Come visit us and let us know.

Inclusivity

by: PJ Thuringer

Since its inception, AWS Foundation resided in the Benchmark Human Services (formerly Anthony Wayne Services) headquarters on Bluffton Road. Quickly the board knew we would eventually need our own space. But we didn’t just want any building; we wanted our permanent home to reflect our mission.

Our mission is to help children and adults with enduring intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community and function at their highest potential.

Be included. Isn’t that something that we all want? Whether at work or school or at a restaurant or store, we all function better when we get to be a part of it without any concern or reservation.

We strived to make our new headquarters a place where all are welcome. Where all don’t have to worry about their surroundings. A woman with a cane doesn’t have to worry about tripping on the transition between flooring types. Where a man in a motorized wheelchair knows that he will have a place at the table. A place where the doors are extra wide so that people know that there is enough space. There are options for seating allowing all to be comfortable. Light switches allow for people of all abilities to operate them. The bathroom mirrors are tilted so that a person of short stature or using a wheelchair can see themselves. A person who cannot bend down very easily doesn’t have to because the electrical outlet has been raised from the standard height to 3 feet.

We asked ourselves all these things and still we didn’t get it all right. After touring the building with the folks from The League, they helped us to see a few things that could be improved upon. We are still a work in progress.

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that buildings be accessible to individuals with disabilities. With our building, our goal from the very beginning was to make it inclusive for all.

My Wish for Individuals of ALL Abilities in 2020

By: Joni Schmalzried

Career choice instead of job availability

Housing that is safe, affordable and accessible

Opportunities that are meaningful

Inspiration from community environments

Courage to face the daily challenges

Engagement through work, home, and play

Meet the Staff

This month's question is:

What is your favorite part of our new building?

Patti - It may sound unusual, but I like the bathrooms. We did our best to be sure that the meeting rooms will be inviting to outside groups aligned with our mission. If we are talking about extended time periods, we need to be sure that the bathrooms are accessible. With spacious men and women's restrooms as well as a family restroom where privacy is assured, we have built the most inclusive office space possible.

Risé - The best feature of the new office building is the fully accessible Justin Dart Community Conference Room.

PJ - My favorite feature is the grantee wall.

Joni - My favorite elements in the new building are the many sensory features. They not only complement our community conference room, but will help us show our guests that sensory needs can be met without a lot of cost.

Jenny - My favorite part about the new building is the art work and photography displayed all over the building that either portrays the work of someone with a disability or showcases inclusive programming in Northeast Indiana. It is a daily reminder of the great work our grantees do and the potential that exists for so many when provided the right supports!

Vicki - One of my favorite features is the Justin Dart community meeting room. Its universal design makes the space usable by all people to the greatest extent possible making it easier for the community to come together, share ideas, and collaborate.

Andie - My favorite part of the new building is that the artwork was either created by individuals with disabilities, or are photos of projects and programs we've supported.

Gail - My favorite part of the building is the break room. It has helped team building efforts because we all come together in there each morning and randomly throughout the day.

Callie - I love the tilted mirrors that are in the restroom! This allows for not only those in wheelchairs but, for shorter people to see more.

Patti Hays, CEO

Risé Taylor, CFO

Joni Schmalzried, Chief Program Officer

Vicki Johnson, Director of System Navigation

PJ Thuringer, Real Estate Manager

Jenny Snyder, Program Officer

Gail Whitenack, Accountant

Andie Mosley, Grants & Outreach Coordinator

Callie Scipio, Office Coordinator

Priority Initiatives

8515 Bluffton Road | Fort Wayne, IN 46809
Office: 260.222.5005 | Toll Free: 877.799.5656

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2353 W Jefferson Blvd.
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