Imagining Access >> crip computing

• food and drinks available to buy
• no accessible entrances (no door button and uneven sidewalk)
• elevator that goes to the basement (not accessible to get to though)
• order food area is spacous
• dinning room area is tight (even tighter when its busy)
• two single stall bathrooms (considered wheelchair accessible)

This Panera location is semi-accessible physically. If you are simply looking to order food and go somewhere else to study, there are few physical limitations. The sidewalk leading to the entrance is flat and even, however, the door is narrow and has no automatic door button. Once inside, the area by the counter where you order food is spacious, but there is a rug and at times a line divider which could provide an additional obstacle to navigate. Additionally, Panera can get quite busy during common meal times and the crowds of people can fill up the space quickly. The seating area upstairs is tight, so navigating around tables and chairs when busy is often difficult. The basement space is very spread out and is a lot more physically accessible, but the elevator that goes to the basement is challenging to access because it is hidden in the cold room between the front door and actual Panera cafe door. Both upstairs and downstairs have a variety of seating options from booths, small circle tables, small square tables, and large rectangle tables, so you can likely find one to fit your needs.

On the sensory side of things, Panera is relatively accessible due to the contrast in sensory environment from the upstairs to the basement. Upstairs provides a loud, bright environment with lots of movement especially during busy hours. The basement space provides a window-free, dim, quiet space, with minimal crowding and movement. So, if you are someone who prefers an active, busy environment for study we recommend you try the upstairs. But if you prefer a quiet evironment with minimal distractions, we recommend you check out the basement.

For more information visit the Panera Bread Website.

• coffee and snacks available
• booth or table-chair seating
• large wall of windows
• no accessible bathrooms
• only one level
• sidewalks to front level and even
• no automatic door from front

This Starbucks location is moderately accessible physically. The front entrance is not very accessible, it is set back in the wall so can be difficult to identify, and once you reach it there is no automatic door button and the door is heavy and difficult to pull. Once inside, there is a row of display items and merchandise you must navigate around before you can reach the counter to order. Additionally most of the tables are all lined up in row with very minimal space between. The tables themselves are also quite small with not much room under them for any type of wheelchair or assistive device. There are a few larger tables that are more accessible, however, they fill up fast so if you are hoping to get one you would have to go early in the morning or after 6pm when it starts to clear out for the night.

On the sensory side of things, this Starbucks is relatively small and all on one floor, so options are limited. The front wall and whole side wall are all windows, so there are lots of distractions with people walking outside and throughout the building. Additionally, this location gets extremely loud during the day because of the sounds of the coffee machines, the baristas calling out names, people working in groups, and customers talking on phones. The space gets crowded quickly, so you likely will not find much personal space, so if that is a need of yours, this place is not accessible. The lighting is a mix of natural light from the front and artificial in the corners. There is a strong smell of coffee throughout the entire space. This is a great location for those looking for some background noise and movement, but not the best option for those who need minimal distractions, are bothered by strong scents, or need lower volume levels.

For more information visit the Starbucks Website.

• food and various caffeinated or non-caffeinated drinks available
• basement only accessible by stairs
• no automatic door button
• sidewalk to entrance flat and even
• accessible bathrooms
• tables upstairs a computer free zone

Argus is not very physically accessible as a whole. Starting at the entrance, the sidewalk leading to both entrances is flat and even with no major cracks or potholes. However, once you reach the main door, there is no automatic door open button and one side of the door opens in while the other side opens out, so if a wider wheelchair needed to enter it would require two people to hold the doors open from different sides. The side entrance coming from the parking lot has a wider door, but again no automatic door button. Once inside, there is plenty of space to navigate around the barista counter, however when it gets busy the line wraps around the tables and blocks the main entrance so it gets difficult to navigate. There are a few tables on the left side of the main floor that are spaced apart, but the majority of the tables upstairs are tight together and can be difficult to navigate when full. Additionally, the downstairs is only visibly accessible by a set of stairs, so if an elevator is needed, you would have to ask a staff member and use the lift located in the back staff-only room. Downstairs, the tables are more spaced out, but there are rugs that could cause an issue for any type of mobility device. The tables in the basement vary in size, so it is likely you would be able to find one that fits your needs.

Due to the contrast in the two study spaces available, Argus is more sensory friendly than many coffee shops. Upstairs provides bright light, lots of background noise, movement, and a strong smell of coffee. The basement space provides a low light, quiet, and still environment. If you prefer silence and very minimal distractions, this place would not be ideal and we would recommend checking out some of the campus buildings which have a separated cafe area (such as Palmer commons). Overall, Argus is accessible for a wide variety of sensory needs.

For more information visit the Argus website.