Many rural community events take place inside community buildings and often these buildings are older and have historical significance. In considering rural accessibility, it is important to find ways to balance the needs of people with disabilities with the desire to preserve community history.
Here are a number of things to consider, with some ideas for how to find solutions to meet everyone’s needs.
One event we visited took place in a historical ghost town.
Although no-step back entries had been created during the ‘90s after the passage of the ADA, only one person we talked to knew about them. Several others shared that they couldn’t go into the buildings and that they found alternatives to enjoying them such as sending a husband in with a camera. The community was resistant to signage because it takes away from the historical nature of the ghost town.
In this situation, an alternative to signage might be having several accessibility ambassadors to let people know about the accessible entries sprinkled across the town dressed in frontier style clothing like the other volunteers.
Indoor Event Considerations
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Not only is accessible parking necessary for people with disabilities, having a clearly marked passenger drop-off area and clear pathways to entrances makes it easier for older people and for people with small children in strollers to get into your event.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link for more information:
Enough accessible parking
Accessible parking is clearly marked
Passenger drop-off area near accessible entrance
Level and unobstructed pathways from parking area to entrances
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Everyone needs to have a restroom they can easily access and use. Make sure bathrooms have clear signs, and are easy to get to.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link for more information:
Accessible bathrooms onsite
Clear signage for accessible bathrooms
Path to bathroom unobstructed and wheelchair accessible
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Clear walkways benefit everyone, not just people with disabilities. Parents with strollers or small children, older adults, and other groups will also appreciate having safe and unblocked walkways.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
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Clear and unobstructed pathways to all activities and services
Ramps at all steps or uneven surfaces
Handrails on each side of all stairways
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If people can’t get in, they can’t participate. Make sure everyone can access your event.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
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Door handles are levers or u-shaped
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No revolving doors
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Doorways wide enough for walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility equipment
Clear signage directing visitors to accessible entrances
Ramps at doors with steps
Handrails on both sides of ramps
Ground signals and braille to help people with visual impairments to find accessible entrances
Make sure nothing is blocking entrances so those using scooters, wheelchairs, or other mobility equipment can use entrance
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Once people are inside your event, make sure they can easily and safely get to every room. Each room and event needs to be set up in a way so that everyone can access the presentation, vendor booths, or displays.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
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Clear and accessible signs leading to rooms with accessible entrances
Elevators near entrances to rooms
Accessible seating set up in a way that is inclusive
Front row seating for people with vision and hearing impairments
ASL interpreters are visible to all attendees
Hearing assistance technology is available
Microphones for the audience during Q&A sessions
Electrical outlets near seating areas
Water bowls for service animals and space for toileting
Tables are at the appropriate height and have enough space for people using wheelchairs and scooters
Materials and/or food are at a height accessible for people using wheelchairs or scooters
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If your event has any speakers, videos, or other types of presentations, different types of accommodations need to be made available.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link to more information:
All video presentations have closed captions
Interpreters for any needed language, including ASL, available for all activities
All media and materials are in accessible formats
Areas are well lit and have adjustable lighting
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Some people who use service animals also use mobility equipment, such as a wheelchair or scooter. Make sure service animal areas are also accessible for mobility equipment users.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link to more information:
Accessible toileting area
Water bowls
Hallways and aisles are wide enough to accommodate mobility equipment and service animals
Adequate space in sitting areas for service animals
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It’s all about the food! Sharing meals together is an important part of many community events. It’s important to make sure that everyone is included at the table- and that they can get to the table.
Accessibility considerations table Accessibility considerations:
Link to more information:
Chairs with arms available
Specialty diets and food sensitivities are accommodated
Labels and allergy warnings are clear and obvious and are labeled with accessible signs.
Food that can be eaten without utensils is available
Seating is separate from the food serving area and able to be rearranged