Sender: |
|
Date: |
Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:51:53 -0500 |
Reply-To: |
|
Subject: |
|
MIME-Version: |
1.0 |
Content-Transfer-Encoding: |
7bit |
In-Reply-To: |
|
Content-Type: |
text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed |
From: |
|
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
How much does a Segway weigh? The weight of a wheelchair could be
justified based on accessibility, but allowing Segway "traffic" could be
additional wear that a historic structure doesn't need or can't bear.
April McCauley
Paul Koenig wrote:
> I think the argument that a Segway is no different than a motorized
> wheelchair to be completely unrealistic. In fact, it's a claim that the
> manufacturer would disavow. "The SegwayPT has not been designed, tested
> or approved as a medical device. You must be able to step on and off the
> SegwayPT unassisted, which requires physical abilities similar to
> ascending and descending stairs without assistance, and without holding
> the handrail." So anyone using a Segway as assistive technology would be
> using it outside the manufacturer's guidelines, which could be
> considered unsafe use and thus not protected use under the ADA. Also, in
> most cases, mobility sufficient to use a Segway and ability to stand
> would be the same as needed to go through the historic house.
>
> Only certain models have non-marring tires and those without could
> damage historic flooring. Secondly, while a wheelchair is stationary if
> you stop paying attention to the controls, the Segway has the potential
> to move independently for short distances if there is a loss of control.
> A Segway user also requires greater head clearance. The potential a
> Segway has to interfere with the fundamental preservation nature of the
> program could also void protected use under the ADA.
>
> Segway has a faq and manuals with their safety requirements at
> http://www.segway.com/faqs/faq.cgi
> and
> http://www.segway.com/support/docs/
>
> A more analogous device to base policy on would be a bicycle. Unless the
> requirement for use of a Segway is coming from someone able and willing
> to make an administrative ruling on behalf of the Department of Interior
> (which could impact all museums), then this should be considered more
> deeply.
>
>
> - Paul Koenig
>
>
> On Jul 19, 2007, at 8:01 AM, Kristin Herron wrote:
>
>> I am posting this on behalf of a National Park Service
>> historic site, which includes a historic house museum.
>> They are being required to develop policy on the use
>> of a Segway within the historic house. The argument
>> is apparently that it is no different than a motorized
>> wheel chair. Does anyone have experience with
>> requests to use a Segway during a historic house
>> museum tour, or has developed policy on this topic?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Kristin Herron
>
> =========================================================
> Important Subscriber Information:
>
> The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
> http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
> information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
> message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
> read "help" (without the quotes).
>
> If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message
> to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read
> "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
>
=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:
The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).
|
|
|