Resident urges restored front-door access to Rocktoberfest, offers to consult on event accessibility

Joanna Schneider, a Saint Joseph resident and caregiver, told the city council she wants festival organizers to restore front-door access at Rocktoberfest so people with disabilities can arrive and leave with their families. "I want her to be able to go in the front door," Schneider said, describing how front access last year allowed her daughter to attend and briefly leave to get medicine without difficulty.

Schneider said Rocktoberfest had provided wide access and good lighting in the past, and that moving accessible entry to a rear alley — which she described as narrow, dark and used by semis and containing dumpsters and power cables for the band — would make attendance hard or unsafe for people who use walkers, power chairs or vans. Her family member Vang, who told the council they use a walker, power chair and previously had a service dog, said they "would like to go through the front because it'll be much easier and quicker."

Schneider told the council that other community events had similar shortcomings and offered to consult with organizers to improve planning and on-site accommodations. She said she and her daughter are not asking for anything beyond convenience and inclusion that goes beyond ADA compliance: "It's is it easy or convenient for people to get there and enjoy, and how does it feel?" she said.

City officials did not take formal action during the meeting. Council members thanked Schneider and her family for coming and for offering assistance; no staff response or plan change was recorded in the meeting minutes. The council will have future opportunities to consider event layout and permitting rules when event organizers submit plans or when staff prepare related guidance.