VPS Global Wellness Hub Accessibility Protocol
At CMMN GRND Fitness and Social Wellness Collective, we remain humbly in our learning phase regarding accessibility. We are dedicated to ensuring that our space is welcoming and inclusive. As we expand, we consistently identify areas for improvement to better serve our valued guests. As part of this year's Vancouver Pride Society Global Wellness Hub, hosted by CMMN GRND, we have developed an accessibility protocol. We recognize that this is merely the beginning and we are fully committed to ongoing education and implementing operational changes at CMMN GRND to benefit our entire community. This includes a commitment to auditing the accessibility needs of our entire space for regularly scheduled classes at CMMN GRND.
Low Sensory Classes
On the VPS Wellness Hub Schedule, you may notice that some of our classes are listed as LOW SENSORY. Additionally, on June 10th, we will be hosting a Low Sensory Meditation Space in partnership with Halfmoon as part of the SPIN X DJ X DRAG event. We have taken special considerations to create a low sensory environment for these specific classes and activations, which include:
LIGHTING: To promote relaxation, we will use dim, non-fluorescent lighting in the studio space during all in-studio offerings. However, the lighting will remain sufficiently bright to allow for the identification of colors, patterns, and significance. There will be no abrupt changes to the lighting scheme throughout the class. At the end of your movement practice, the lighting may be dimmed if it leads to a place of rest. As you exit the studio space, the brightness will be brought back up to ensure safety. The Low Sensory Meditation Tent by Halfmoon is a black inflatable tent that will be illuminated by flameless LED candles on the inside.
SCENT-FREE SPACE: During low sensory classes, we will refrain from using diffusers in the lobby, washroom, or studio. Strong-smelling or aerosol-scented amenities will be removed from the gender-neutral washroom. We respectfully request that all staff and participants avoid wearing scented products to accommodate those with sensitivities.
SOUND: For all in-studio low sensory classes we will refrain from using microphones to amplify the instructors voice. If music is utilized, the instructor will keep volume low enough so that you can hear the instructors voice clearly. No music will be played during ‘Gentle Adaptive Yoga for Queer Disabled Folks’. Additionally, we will avoid background noise by running low sensory classes during hours that spin classes are not running. Within the Low Sensory Meditation Tent, we will utilize noise-canceling headphones that have individual volume controls. This will allow you to customize your meditation experience and immerse yourself in a carefully curated selection of calming meditation music.
FIDGET DEVICES: Fidget devices can be provided upon request and are welcomed into the studio and low sensory meditation tent.
PHYSICAL TOUCH: Consent Cards- We will be utilizing consent cards in all of our studio classes. You will be given a card at the beginning of class that is red (no consent) on one side and green (active consent) on the other. We understand that consent is ongoing and that our personal needs change day to day. You can flip the card at any point in class and as many times as you wish in class. Our instructors will not provide you personal verbal or hands on assistance in class unless your card is on green. AND if you want to opt out of using a consent card all together to focus on your movement practice, we'll just let you do you!
Accessibility Q+A
Public Transport?
The following transit lines have routes that pass near CMMN GRND and Milton Wong Plaza: 10, 14, 4, 50, 84. CMMN GRND is 900 meters away from the Olympic Village Skytrain Station and 1.3 KM from The Main Street- Science World Skytrain Station.
How do I enter the building?
CMMN GRND is located street level at 121 West 2nd Ave. There is a vestibule with 2 non-automatic doors to enter the building. For all VPS Global Wellness Hub scheduled classes both sets of doors will remain open (weather permitting). Our check in desk is regulation counter height with no transaction top.
Are washrooms accessible and trans-inclusive?
Our washroom/ change room is a completely gender neutral space. It has individual stalls for toilets and showers with doors that close and lock completely. We ask that people refrain from nudity in the communal washroom space. There are two toilet stalls, three shower stalls, and one accessible stall with a toilet and shower.
The accessible stall has an automatic door that is over 32” in width. It can accommodate a power wheelchair with 810mm of clear floor space for lateral transfer to toilet. There is a grab bar for the toilet. The shower has a half inch lip at its entry and a foldable bench. The shower head is adjustable and detachable. The sink faucet is accessible in a wheelchair but is not motion activated.
Will ASL be provided?
An ASL interpreter can/will be provided upon request for any VPS Global Wellness Hub Class. We require one week minimum notice to accommodate.
Are all your classes wheelchair accessible?
Due to the shape of our studio space and mat placement, not all classes are wheelchair accessible. “Adaptive Yoga for Disabled Folks” is run with reduced capacity to allow for wheelchair access. “Queering Sex Education” is hosted at a communal table that is wheelchair accessible.
Are tripping hazards clearly marked with a bright colour, cane-detectable floor finish, or guard?
No. The common space floors at CMMN GRND are polished concrete with no cane-detectable floor finishes. The studio floor is engineered hardwood. The spin room floor is made out of non-slip rubber. There are two 6 inch high stages in the spin room.
Is there a lip or ledge to enter the yoga/ spin studio?
For the purpose of soundproofing there is a 1 inch lip at the entrance of both the yoga and spin studio. A mat will be provided for ease getting into the studio with a wheelchair.
Are hallways to the yoga studio at least 36 inches wide?
The main hallway at CMMN GRND is 6ft in width. The smallest passage in the common space at CMMN GRND is more than 36 inches wide.
Are there accessible parking spaces at/near your location?
There is accessible parking in the underground lot beneath CMMN GRND. The lot can be accessed by taking your first left off Manitoba from 2nd ave into the alley way. Lot entrance is your first left in the alley. There are two elevators to access the street level onto 2nd ave.
Is there an accessible space to accommodate vehicles equipped with a mechanical lift or a wheelchair ramp?
No
Is there a curb ramp from the parking onto the sidewalk?
No.
Can doors be opened without too much force (5 lbs maximum for interior doors)?
All washroom doors can be easily opened with out too much force. Both of the studio doors are heavy double width doors for the purpose of soundproofing. The studio doors will be opened and closed by the instructors/ staff as needed.
Water?
Flow water is available for purchase at our front desk. Additionally there is a filtered water station at the CMMN GRND space and a public water fountain located at the far corner of Milton Wong Plaza. We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE bringing a reusable water bottle for any of the Vancouver Pride Global Wellness events you will be attending.
What are the payment options?
For staff safety, we will not be handling cash in studio. Debit and Visa/MasterCard payment options will be available. Cash or Credit donations will be accepted for SPIN x DJ x DRAG on June 10th in Milton Wong Plaza.
Are there age restrictions?
At this time anyone under the age of 16 is not permitted. Any person’s under the age of 18 will have to have a guardian sign our liability waiver. There is no age maximum.
I have sensory sensitivities, can I attend all the classes?
Many VPS Global Wellness Hub classes have been intentionally designed to be low sensory. Portions of our regular studio classes may be done in a low light environment to encourage introspection. For your safety the brightness of our lighting system may be changed through out class. For higher intensity classes unexpected lighting effects will be used in the class. Amplified sound will be used at the SPIN X DJ X DRAG event. If you have any questions regarding sensory sensitivities please email info@cmmngrnd.ca
I want to attend a class but don’t have the funds?
We have done our best to keep these events as financially accessibly as possible. A small amount of financial barrier free tickets will be made available for each class. To access these tickets please contact info@cmmngrnd.ca. SPIN X DJ X DRAG is by donation with no minimum donation required.
Gentle Adaptive Yoga for Queer Disabled Folks
What are conflicting or competing access needs?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to make any event, or building 100% fully accessible because 100% accessibility doesn’t exist. We do our best to meet common access needs, but access needs can be individual to each person. Competing access needs, also sometimes called conflicting access needs, are when two different individuals have access needs that cannot be made possible at the same time. Examples of this could be a low vision or seeing impaired person needing bright light in a room, while a person with a sensory processing disorder may require dim lighting. Another example is one person could be hard of hearing or have a sensory processing disorder and need a space where there is never multiple people talking at once, while another may need a space where they can verbally stim, or they may experience vocal tics or involuntary vocalizations such as with Tourette's syndrome. In these examples it becomes difficult to accommodate everyone’s individual needs at the same time.
Are masks required?
For everyone’s safety we encourage you to wear your mask for VPS Global Wellness Hub classes. For Adaptive Yoga The event staff, teacher, and ASL interpreter will wear clear face masks for easier lip reading. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available on-site.
I am blind/seeing impaired, is this class for me?
Clear verbal instructions will be given for each movement. The movements will look different for everyone in the class, and it is not necessary to perfectly imitate how the instructor is moving.
Can I bring my service dog?
Guide and service dogs are welcome; no pets are allowed in the space.
Will ASL be provided?
An ASL interpreter can/will be provided upon request. We require one week minimum
I have limited movement, is this class for me?
Yes, you can still participate through breath work and cultivate self-awareness, even with limited mobility in this class.
Will there be incense or essential oils?
No incense will be burned, and no essential oil diffusers will be turned on for this class. We request staff and participants refrain from using scented products out of respect for those with sensitivities.
Can I bring my own props?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own props, or borrow the props at CMMN GRND
What props are available?
We will have an assortment of bolsters, blocks, blankets, straps and cushions available.
Can I bring my personal assistant or support worker with me?
Yes, please let us know if you are bringing a support worker in advance so we can ensure there is space set up for them to be next to you.
Is the class well-lit?
Yes.
Will there be any flashing lights, or sudden or loud noises?
No.
Will chairs be provided?
Yes.
I identify as superfat / infinifat, can the chairs support me?
Our chairs can support a weight up to 500 lbs.
Is food or beverage provided?
CMMN GRND will have a small selection of fruits available during class for anyone experiencing low blood sugar.
I have access needs that aren’t addressed in this Q&A, what should I do?
Please reach out directly to staff at CMMN GRND and we will do our best to accommodate you. Contact : info@cmmngrnd.ca