How to Convert to Handicap Accessibility Assistance

Whether spectators or participants, people with disabilities should have convenient and proper access to any venue. It can be frustrating to get to an event only to find out there is no access for handicapped individuals. Following the rules and regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 will help you convert your venue and create a safe and accommodating environment for people with disabilities. There are several steps you can take to ensure your venue is handicap accessible.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check your venue to make sure at least one handicap-accessible route is available from public transportation stops, parking spaces, passenger loading zones and public streets and sidewalks to an accessible building entrance. This route needs to comply with ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for buildings and facilities.

    • 2

      Make sure at least one accessible route connects buildings and facilities. For example, if your event is in a gymnasium, there should be access to the courts. Any objects that protrude from surfaces or posts into circulation paths must comply with building codes and ADAAG regulations. Have guest service staff direct guests to elevators or other handicap-accessible points if needed.

    • 3

      Mark appropriate parking spaces for handicap accessibility. The ADAAG recommends that a parking lot with fewer than 25 parking spaces have at least one designated for handicapped parking. If you have 500 parking spaces available, at least nine must be designated for handicap parking. Of these spaces, one in every eight must be wheelchair-van accessible.

    • 4

      Install handicap-accessible toilet facilities whenever typical inaccessible units are provided. Accessible units must be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility.

    • 5

      Check the building for proper signage. Elements and spaces of accessible facilities must be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility and comply with the ADA. Some examples of signage include handicap parking spaces and passenger-loading zones. Accessible entrances should also be clearly visible. Inaccessible entrances must have signage showing the route to the nearest accessible entrance.