safety alertalert exclamation

If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 voice), 1-800-787-3224 (tty). There is always a computer trail, but you can click ESCAPE to leave the site quickly.

Considerations for Conference Centers

 
When conducting a site visit of a conference center, you should review the following areas of the venue to ensure that it is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act:
 
  • Is there at least one entryway without steps?
  • Is the path to the “no steps” entrance at least 36” wide?
  • If there are doors to the venue, how heavy are they and can they be opened with a closed fist?
  • Is the space large enough to accommodate 36” between rows and 36” aisleways in the center and on both sides?
  • Are the bathrooms accessible? Are they near the space you intend to use for your event?
  • If there are water fountains and public telephones, are there also accessible fountains and telephones?
  • Is space for resource tables and information tables ample enough to avoid limiting access once they are set up?
  • If you are planning interactive activities (ie, art therapy), is there enough space to allow for an accessible table?
  • Is there an adapted restroom stall that opens outward?
  • Is there a large bathroom stall with grab bar and side transfer – 42-48” wide?
  • Is the toilet in the accessible stall set  17-19” from floor with clear space underneath of 30” wide by 45”deep?
  • Does the public restroom have at least one sink set no higher than 29” from floor?
  • Has all exposed piping under the accessible public restroom sinks been wrapped?
  • Is the men’s bathroom accessible urinal no higher than 17”?

Additional Considerations  

 

You should also consider the following to ensure accessibility:

 

  • Is the venue well-lit to ensure that interpreters are visible?
  • Is the lighting adequate to accommodate people with low-vision?
  • If there is a stage, is there a wheelchair-accessible ramp leading up to it? If not, can the facility provide one? If not, is there an area other than the stage where you can hold your event?
  • Does the facility provide an adequate sound system?