Smith college AAB lettert smrrH GoLLEGE
Of6ce of Disability Services
Smith College
College Hall 1.04
Northampton, Massachr,rsetts 01063
T (41, 585-2071. VOICE or TDD
F (4rr 585-4498
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board
One Ashburton Place, Room 1310
Boston, Massachusetts 02 108-1618
December 20,2011
To whom it may concern,
In my capacity as Disability Services Director for Smith College, I have reviewed the application for
variances for the Dewey House Renovation project. I met with Laura Fitch, the architect, earlier this
year to review the project, the physical constraints, and the budget. I made several suggestions at that
time which have been incorporated as part of the compliance alternatives - specifically the addition of a
flexible meeting space on the second floor level near the proposed lift to compensate for office
doorways that are too narrow.
I support the project as outlined, as it will greatly increase the current accessibility of Dewey Hall. The
proposed lift option will meet the needs of the limited number of staff and students needing access to
the upper level of this small building. This is a well balanced approach, meeting the needs without
excessive cost and compromises to the historic architecture of the building and I urge you to grant the
requested variances,
Thank you for your consideration of this application.
Sincerely,
fuK*€J*ILaura Rauscher
Disabi I ity Services Di rector/ADA Coordi nator
Smith College