Scher Spaces

01/23/2024

I’m heading to the Accessibility Professionals Conference and am excited to network with and learn from fellow accessibility experts!

ID: image of a large group of people gathered in a conference room taking in a lecture with graphics on a screen in front of them. Below the image is information about the Accessibility Professionals Association conference.

01/10/2024

Yesterday I attended a meeting to discuss new branding for a business park near where I live. There was a lively discussion about how to incorporate the mission and unique qualities of the business park into a new name and tagline. I commented about the importance of accessibility for all signage- both for signs identifying the businesses at parking lot entrances as well as wayfinding signs throughout the business park. I described the images below to illustrate why simply following ADA regulations doesn’t guarantee optimal accessibility has been achieved.

I took these images while waiting for an appointment for my daughter in the Imaging department of a local
medical clinic. Due to the low contrast of the wall versus the letters and the small size of the letters there were constantly patients who were lost, confused and frustrated about where to check in. I could also sense the frustration of the registration staff. I’ve been to this lobby several times and each time I go I have to determine the correct check in location all over again. If the contrast and letter size were designed with accessibility in mind, it would provide the information people need to move efficiently through the process and allow them to focus on healing, rather than the stress involved with wayfinding.

The branding focus group agreed that this is important to consider. I’m excited to discuss it further with the business park leadership when the time comes to design the new signage.

ID: Images of signage found in a medical clinic. The first image is of a pale yellow back wall with small, silver raised letters identifying “Lab Services” and “Imaging”. The second image is another pale yellow back wLl with small, silver raised letters identifying “Urgent Care”. The images are taken from the same check-in lobby.

12/09/2023

I had a great time being interviewed as part of Justin Crossley’s podcast The Session on alongside Executive Director Carol Edwards. My EAC puppy in training, Sheldon was with us as we discussed how breweries, tap rooms and restaurants can be more welcoming for people with service dogs as well as how they can enhance their level of accessibility. I encourage you to check out the episode:

https://lnkd.in/gAjg8VS4

ID: thumbnail of the Early Alert Canines logo along with photos of Carol Edwards with an EAC puppy and Suzie with her EAC puppy in training, Sheldon overlaid on the podcast session website link

11/10/2023

As a puppy raiser for Early Alert Canines, a diabetic alert dog program, I get to have a furry buddy as my constant companion. Plus he's a great ice breaker when I'm out and about for work events. Read on to find out about my experience with my puppy Sheldon.

ID: Suzie sitting in a chair while holding Sheldon, a yellow lab wearing a service dog vest while on a red leash.

In 2023, EAC launched its first-ever Breeding and Puppy Raising program! 😁

These compassionate individuals open their hearts and homes to provide a safe and loving environment for puppies. They receive comprehensive support and training from the EAC team, attend classes, public outings, and learn basic service dog obedience. 🏡❤️

Suzie Scher is an experienced puppy raiser and a local entrepreneur. Through her business, Scher Spaces, she combines elements of functional mobility, ability awareness and over 15 years in the Occupational Therapy field to bring a unique perspective to creating accessible spaces. She includes EAC Sheldon in her daily life with her family and in her business. 🐶

Suzie shares, "It's a wonderful way to support people with disabilities (specifically people with insulin-dependent diabetes) while also getting to spend time with an easy-to-train pup! I get to have a companion with me whether I'm working at home, going to a work event, running errands or meeting a friend for coffee. The exposure for my two young kids to learn about service dogs is a great lesson for them. It's also a great way to meet people as they often inquire about my puppy Sheldon and we get to chat about how cute he is and how intelligent dogs are."

Click to read more of their story and about how to become a puppy raiser:
https://www.earlyalertcanines.org/post/raising-a-service-dog-puppy-is-a-labor-of-love

Photo courtesy of Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

10/18/2023

I’m so honored to be featured in the Colorado State University's College of Health and Human Sciences newsletter. I'm a proud CSU Ram and my time in the Occupational Therapy department helped lead me to my current work as an Accessibility Specialist. Check out my story in the link below.



https://lnkd.in/gTm_Q4bj

ID: photo of me seated at a table with my laptop and work materials

10/15/2023

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion about accessibility, design and disability inclusion with several fabulous people from the world of architecture and design. We all agreed that we learned from each other and hope to keep the conversation going!

09/11/2023

Accessibility benefits everyone. My daughter is temporarily using crutches due to a leg injury. We were heading to an art exhibit in the downtown area and having curb cuts helped her to travel independently when we crossed the streets. She commented “I don’t have to worry about losing my balance!”
ID: young girl using crutches accesses the sidewalk using a dark grey curb cut

08/30/2023

Way to go ! Lego announced they will be selling their Braille bricks which were previously only available free of charge to blind and low vision students through specific school programs. What a great way to increase awareness of diverse communication modes through the use of play!

08/20/2023

I was adding a pedometer app to my phone and watch when I saw that they have an option for wheelchair pushes. Way to be inclusive ++ 🧑🏾‍🦽👩🏻‍🦽

08/01/2023

While doing some back-to-school shopping I found this adaptive backpack from . I love the creativity and thoughtfulness to offer accessible options for kids!

06/14/2023

As it should be everywhere!

02/26/2023

Accessibility!