Since 2013, I have been trying to get wheelchair access for the school crosswalk in front of the new Jenkins school. Scituate’s Commission on Disability has been supporting my efforts for at least a year. Given the lack of cooperation between the town and the school district, it took bringing this issue to the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) who found in our favor on June 20. The remaining problem is that the path from the sidewalk to the brand new Jenkins school is also not compliant with building code. Instead of fixing the path, the town has applied for a variance. Why should this matter to you? Aside from serving our children, the Jenkins school also serves as one of the town’s evacuation shelters. My understanding is that the high school is the other shelter. Note that neither shelter has accessible pedestrian access (no sidewalks to the high school exist). The town seems to think that handicapped parking is sufficient access. This assumes access to a working vehicle during an emergency. If you believe that code compliant pedestrian access for all individuals--including individuals who use wheelchairs and walkers--is important, please sign this petition. The MAAB will be reviewing the town’s application for a variance on July 11. Please join me in letting the MAAB know that safe, code compliant, pedestrian access is important to the Scituate community.