Re: Community organisation would like access to leather and sewing studios for disabled & deaf

[Vivas Pro]

Thank you for all your comments regarding the above topic.

 

VivasPro would like to apologise for any misunderstanding regarding the announcement on our Facebook page. We came to the induction on Tuesday and spoke with Andy. During this conversation we were under the impression that we had been given the green light to go ahead at Hackspace and so we placed Hackspace's address on our advertising.  Andy did suggest we send an email to the trustees and we thought this was to advise us how to register each member rather than seeking their approval. 

We all apologise for this misunderstanding. 

Overall we have been clear and transparent throughout and are in no way trying to omit anything. Our group email bounced few times so we are very grateful that we are now added to this communication and can grasp what is going on. 

We would like to introduce ourselves as  not for profit community organisation which helps disadvantaged and deaf/disabled people from the community who want to learn new skills. We need a space for them to come and learn/practice leather-work, woodwork and sewing. We support disadvantaged members of the community to enable equal access. We do not run a business or service. 

 

We are not looking to 'sign members up in bulk without going through the normal channels' as someone has said. We are a community based group who simply want to help a few disabled people who are interested in learning a new skill to sign up as members at Hackspace and use the space. These people do not know how to access Hackspace as some have learning disabilities and as they are deaf, they need communication support i.e sign language interpreters to help them. They cannot do it by themselves and we are merely assisting them. We are happy to modify our workshops to suit your space. If easier, each deaf/disabled person can sign up individually and pay the membership fee.

In addition any of the existing Hacspace members, provided they fit in the criteria,  can sign up for any of the workshops they may be interested in attending.

 

We understand that Hackspace is a space for individuals to come and share equipment and knowledge. It seems to us that this exactly matches what we are trying to do with the deaf/disabled individuals we are helping. We are do not wish to cause offence or grievance and are slightly anxious that some people have misunderstand or miscommunicated our noble aims.

We understand that Hackspace is not so concerned with money as with responsibility and safety. Those that become members agree to certain rules to allow the space to run smoothly and do what it is intended to do. We will support and assist the deaf/disabled individuals who want to access Hackspace to comply with the rules and be true members, not just people who have paid a membership fee. We will make sure they understand the rules and have the induction and ensure appropriate supervision at all times. We could also arrange a separate additional induction with the deaf/disabled people - this is something we would like to discuss with any current members who think this is a good idea. 

We truly trust this is clear now and we would like to start the workshops if possible please. We would be grateful for your help. If any current members use British Sign Language we would welcome the opportunity to meet them and introduce them to the deaf/disabled individuals.

Please contact me for any further information you may need.

Kind regards

 

Sheila

[tim_n]

Sheila, how many people are we talking about? I can't imagine there are more than a handful of deaf/disabled people looking to do leatherworking.

Whilst I rarely have time, I can pop in the odd weekend and can lend out my tools if they'll be kept in good order - I have numerous stamps, cutters, knives etc for vegtan working.