Accessibility

We are committed to supporting all visitors to the Signet Society. Unfortunately, we are constrained by the limitations of our 19th century building. However, we have taken steps to improve our physical accessibility and are actively working to do more. Please contact us if you use a wheelchair so we can make sure you are able to use our space. We aim to respond to requests within two business days.

Current building accessibility information:
The Signet Society is becoming more physically accessible. We recognize that our incomplete accessibility is a pervasive example of ableism: systematically shutting out artists and others with disabilities.

We are partially wheelchair accessible. As mentioned above, if you plan to visit the Signet for an event, please contact us ahead of time so that we may open our ramp entrance. We do not have near-term plans confirmed for an accessible bathroom, but our interim solution is addressed below.

We encourage anyone with specific questions to reach out to us. We always welcome feedback on our processes, language, and ways of conveying information. If you are able to contribute financially to make the Signet more accessible, please donate here.

Current Physical Accessibility Information

·    There are 2 steps to enter the Dunster St doors which are 36 inches wide.

·    The wheelchair access ramp is at the 48 Dunster St door, which is 32 inches wide (with the door open), and the door is not usable unassisted. After entering this door, you will pass through a door that is 29 inches wide, turn 90 degrees and pass through another door that is 32 inches wide. From there, travel straight through the kitchen and you will find yourself in a foyer near the bathrooms, which is adjacent to one of our front entrances.

·    There are two gender neutral bathrooms on the first floor, which are not ADA compliant for wheelchair use. The doorways in the hallway leading to them are 30 inches wide. One bathroom door is 34 inches wide, and the toilet is about 3 feet from the door. Our second bathroom doorway is only 22 inches wide.

·    The nearest accessible bathrooms are located within Harvard’s Smith Campus Center across Mt Auburn St. (open to the public) or within Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success next door on Dunster St. (for Harvard affiliates.) We recognize this is not an ideal or equitable arrangement, yet we hope it provides an interim solution.

·    We hope to soon add threshold ramps throughout the building, especially into our dining rooms and Library.

FUNDRAISING EFFORT FOR Physical Accessibility

Information to come!

accommodations and Accessibility for events

Signet events are hosted by a wide variety of participants in our community, and we encourage anyone hosting an event in the space to make sure attendees know who to contact to request accommodations. If you are concerned about a particular event, or would like to request an accommodation, please contact our central office and we will provide additional information or connect you with an appropriate contact. We strive to meet accessibility needs, and the earlier you reach out to us, the more likely we will be able to make arrangements.