We had a few minutes before the movie so we decided to browse a bit in the mall. A quick look at the directory told us that there was a bookstore on the second floor called, Frog Hollow Books. Well, who could resist?
I love bookstores. All of them. The big stores with the coffee shops within, the on line stores with their amazing discounts, but especially the independant bookstores with their wildly eclectic collections. Joe and I, each, almost immediately found books that were exactly to our tastes and we were enjoying just looking around. It's not a large store but it has a lovely atmosphere. We had just decided to have lunch in the food court rather than the restaurant so we would have more time to look around when I was approached by one of the staff.
She was a friendly woman who first asked if we were finding what we needed. We both said that we were. She then started asking me about how I felt about the accessibility of the store. They are moving in a few days and they've been working on floor plans. Apparently she spent several hours on the computer trying to find if there was a suggested width for aisles which would accommodate people in wheelchairs. Further she explained to me that since she couldn't find one they'd decided to make the aisle two inches wider than the ones in the present store.
I had to admit that I didn't know what the recommended width was but that I could tell her that these aisles were working for me and I have a wide chair, I would imagine that two inches more would accomodate most chairs, including power chairs. She seemed pleased and left us to get back to browsing. I called out to her 'Thanks for even thinking about it.'
We bought our purchases and got the 'we're moving thanks for shopping discount' and we wished them well on their new store. I really hope they do well, they deserve to. Accessibility is all about attitude, attitude is all about graciousness.
Here's a shout out to Frog Hollow Books in Halifax. May your attitude be contagious. May your success be life long.
Wow! How cool is that?! Not only did they seek the information but when the couldn't find it online they chose to do some primary research!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great attitude from the store. I love how she asked if you were finding what you needed FIRST, before the accessibility piece.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, while you are in Halifax, have you stopped for a Donair yet? My Halifax-native hubby has been drooling about the thoughts of having one as we've been planning a trip "down east" for this summer. I think it must be a local thing as the thought of a donair really doesn't do a whole for me. Enjoy your time in Halifax - it's a wonderful city.
Awesome! I wish them much success in the future.
ReplyDeleteGreat story and great attitude.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what the Canadian guidelines are, but the owner might want to look at the US Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG), which are very specific about widths and all sorts of other things: http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm
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