The DOT Cafeteria, Not So Accommodating

Disabled employees at Department of Transportation headquarters are most unhappy these days with their new digs down by the Navy Yard in Southeast Washington.

Agency officials say the building -- the first entirely designed and constructed for a federal agency since 9/11 -- was built with guidance from disability experts and help from the U.S. Access Board and the General Services Administration.

But dozens of employees with disabilities began to have problems -- some caused by security precautions -- as soon as the 6,000 workers moved in last summer. There were several safety issues, such as fire alarms without blinking lights for the hearing-impaired, and there were doors that required too much strength to open.

Employees were especially frustrated by cafeteria tray slides that are so high that employees who use wheelchairs cannot reach their food, a violation of standards and a constant annoyance.

Some quick fixes were made. For example, doors were propped open pending installation of push plates. But while adjustments are being made, the cafeteria problem probably won't be fixed until a new contractor is on the job by the end of this year.

Assistant Secretary for Administration Linda Washington circulated an e-mail on April 22 with "an outline of how cafeteria staff and DOT employees needing assistance can work together to provide employees with a positive experience" getting their chow.

Some examples:

· When in the cafeteria [employees needing assistance] should let a cashier . . . know by politely requesting assistance.

· Employees should explain how or what type of assistance they need, for example,

- Could you assist me with getting a drink from the fountain?

- Could you reach a drink in the cooler for me?

- Could you assist me with getting a salad or hot entree?