ACCESS INABILITY

Lyons Township High School District 204 is a fine institution with amazingly large -- and might I add: very clean and seemingly safe -- facilities, but the School Board and administration could go a long way toward doing a better job of welcoming visitors to nighttime events.

Face it, each campus is huge because of the need to accommodate so many students, classrooms and programs and the parking lots are just as huge, and, by the way, very well-maintained.

But we attended an event at South campus in Western Springs the other night (the Monday, March 30th candidate forum presented by the La Grange Area League of Women Voters) and found it rather confusing and frustrating just where to park and which entrance to go in. They are a least a block or two apart.

I admit that although I am temporarily wheelchair-bound (and did not call ahead to check on accommodations) and did not find any indoor or outdoor ramps or curb cuts unsafe, the parking spaces for the disabled are quite a distance from each entrance. I shudder to imagine being on crutches or a walker or being older and less able-bodied and having to walk that distance just to get inside or back to my vehicle.

But I, and the wife of a high school board candidate, arriving early (thank God), found it difficult at best where to enter. There were no signs anywhere to be found, nobody directing visitors in person and even night custodians had no clue the forum was being held let alone where it was.

Granted, I didn't do my homework. I just knew it was being held at South campus. But I also learned part of the problem was the lack of attention the local print media affords the La Grange Area League of Women Voters (who hosted the event and probably should have posted their own directional signs and maybe a few volunteer building guides inside and outside to help out).

The gymnasium doors were illuminated and open and it appeared volleyball practice was going on in there, there were night adult courses in progress in some classrooms and there was the forum. Not knowing which way to go, we chose one of the two obvious options (the wrong one, of course) and had to walk (and roll) the length of a few football fields to get to our destination and back. Glad it was a warmer than usual night (and yes, I could sure use the exercise).

That is something we at OnLaGrange.com plan to change. The League and its varied audiences can be assured we will carry detailed information about all of their forums and seminars from now on,most likely in The News or The Community blogs.

Even signs or knowledgeable staff would have helped (then again so could an electric scooter), but we learn from our mistakes, I guess.

I did, and I hope LT and the League will as well.