ADA Accessibility Project: Construction has Begun

The Newman Community is blessed with two buildings. The design of the Church provides easy access to both enter the building and to make use of its facilities; the design of the Activity Center does not. While the Activity Center can be entered from both the front and back with some ease, not everyone who uses an assistive device for mobility can access a restroom. Male students, visitors, parishioners, parents, or alums with mobility issues cannot access a restroom on the first floor. They must, if able, climb to the second floor.

This concern is not limited to older parishioners who make increasing use of the Activity Center for monthly hospitality events, continuing formation opportunities, and post-funeral luncheons. It is an issue for anyone facing temporary disabilities, such as a student-athlete recovering from knee surgery. The State of North Carolina estimates that about 10% of North Carolinians over the age of 15 have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

Therefore, in consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Finance Council, and officials of the Diocese of Raleigh, Newman has:

• engaged an architectural firm that has assessed Newman's facility issues with respect to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance;
• approved the proposed recommendations which include: ADA code requirements; abatement testing; moving a utility sink; adding secure programmatic door access; and future maintenance costs;
• incorporated these modifications as part of an overall Accessibility Project Plan to create a disability-friendly environment.

Construction on Phase One began the week of May 15th. To learn more about the scope of work for Phase One of the ADA Accessibility Project, contact Therese Taxis at 919.929.3730 extension 1007 or email [email protected]

To help fund this much-needed project, use the link below:

HELP FUND THE ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT WITH YOUR PLEDGE