DragonflyHill Collective includes several people with a variety of DISabilities, all of whom are DISability rights activists. We make every effort for DISability access and inclusion, Our first consideration had to be our own access and our new location in Desert Hot Springs is much more accessible to us than our previous housing in L.A.. That said, it is not yet fully accessible. There is one entrance to the house that includes one step, but the other entrances have no barriers to wheelchair access. Only one room (the loft) in the Main House is up a flight of stairs. But unfortunately there are single steps into some of the rooms and none of the bathrooms as yet are accessible. One bathroom may be converted to an accessible space once funds are available. Ramps are available for events in rooms where there is one step into the room. We do have room in the foyer for charging mobility scooters/wheelchairs for guests who have some mobility, but the Lavender Room (our downstairs lodging) has narrow doorways so a wheelchair would not be able to access that room or the bathroom nearest that room. The Main Hall which serves as a dining room and living room and has no steps and wide entryways, is very narrow, so maintaining access will have to be a collective effort. The way people use the space could limit access and requires patience and vigilance.
The Pool: There are 2 wheelchair accessible entrances to our pool. We do not have a lift, but the pool is sloped (pond entrance), and we are investigating accessible pool wheelchairs and walkers.
The Grounds: All of the grounds are flat (or gently sloped) and accessible. We are looking forward to building pathways and walkways that increase access.
We have a keyless entry system, with push buttons. Code is changed between guests. All guest rooms have their own locks. Keyless entry may be difficult for people with dexterity issues. We have levered door knobs on most of the doors.
All common rooms— living room, kitchen, dining room and hallway, are wheelchair accessible. The kitchen is not configured for ADA compliance but the entrance to the kitchen is wide.
Most lighting, Most lighting does not use compact fluorescent bulbs. If fluorescent bulbs are problem for you, give us advance notice and we can change out many of the bulbs and not use some light fixtures in common spaces and in your room. Due to building codes, some of the newer lighting uses compact fluorescent bulbs. We can work with guests and participants to make adjustments for greater inclusion.
Service animals are very welcome.
Parking: We have ample off street parking spaces and can provide designated parking spaces for guests with DISabilities. Please arrange with us if parking for a particular event or appointment is a particular need you have due to a dis-ability.
Allergy Prevention: Our new house does have carpeting. We look forward to replacing the carpeting at a later date. We shampoo the carpets regularly and vacuum frequently. All bedding is washed in hot water and dried with high heat and placed in sealed bags. We use only Oxyclean, Vinegar and Seventh Generation (scent free) Detergent on bedding and towels. All bedding is changed between guests. Mattresses are encased to prevent dust mites and other pests and are hypoallergenic. Mattresses are vacuumed whenever bedding is changed. Air conditioners have strong filters that are cleaned once or twice a week. Vacuum cleaner has a hepa filter. We encourage everyone who uses this space to use scent free products, and we provide scent free bath products. For more information on products used, please refer to the list provided. We use unscented and fragrance free products almost exclusively. There are some exceptions, but we can, in most cases halt usage for guests, given enough advanced warning. We want to work with anyone who may want to stay here, so that your stay is comfortable and accommodated.
We do have one cat that lives in the house, but does not go into guest suites. We do not allow guests to bring pets, but we of course welcome service animals.
Neurodiversity: We welcome and our collective includes neurodivergent people. Please let us know if there are any special accommodations needed to make your participation easier and more positive.
Plans for greater access:
Add sign language interpreters to staff.
Resolve the bathroom situation to assure wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Add railings to walkways.
Continue to educate the community.
Create wheelchair accessible cabins and other listings with reasonable access to accessible bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Discuss any issues or special needs with us as we will work with you to make your stay as easy and comfortable as possible and will make as many accommodations as possible, which is easier if given enough advanced notice. If problems arise during your stay, please alert us as quickly as possible so we can address these issues, not only for you, but for the comfort of future guests.
DragonflyHill Desert Farm & Wildlife Habitat 