Choosing an Accessible Location

Schedule your event in wheelchair accessible buildings and rooms. Conduct an on-site visit to evaluate the facility. Wheelchair access must be available in all portions of the venue that participants will be using, including the speaker’s area. An accessible restroom should be within 200 feet of the event location. Braille and tactile signage should be available for directional assistance.

Look for these features when inspecting your meeting/event space:

Acoustics:

Consider those with hearing impairment and provide a public address (PA) system; roving microphone; limit unnecessary background music; seating available near presenter for lip reading; availability of assistive listening devices. Is there well-lit space for an interpreter if needed?

Mobility:

Consider those who may be in a wheelchair or have other mobility impairment and provide accessible parking near venue; proximity to bus stop; ramp and/or elevator access; accessible bathrooms; barrier-free pathways; wide doorways and aisles to accommodate wheelchairs/scooters; no loose cables across walking areas; provide campus map in advance

Parking:

Accessibility begins with parking. Given the topography of our campus, many people with disabilities navigate campus with accessible parking and drop off areas. Survey the location for accessible parking and an accessible path of travel from the parking area. If the event is held in a location with no close available parking, identify a method of transportation that will assist attendees with getting to the event location. When planning an event with 50 or more guests, it is recommended that you contact Parking Services at parking@tulane.edu for assistance with addressing the parking needs of your guests. Parking Services can also assist you with identifying parking options for participants with disabilities. If you must host your meeting in an inaccessible location or one in which access is not easily achievable, communicate the access plan for participants with disabilities in your pre-event publicity. Be sure to include a contact number for questions about access to the venue.

Service Animals:

Consider access and space for service dogs and provide comfortable space for service animals to rest during event; accessible toileting and watering facilities nearby.

Technology:

Consider those who may need to use adaptive devices and provide electrical outlets in accessible seating areas to accommodate devices, laptops, etc.; extra space or work surface.

Visibility:

Consider those with impaired sight and provide clear signage (identifying location and directions); well-lit meeting space and adjacent areas; projection screen visible from all seating (if using projection).

Zoom:

Zoom provides accessibility options. Please visit the tulane.zoom.us website for more information.

 

Next: Accessible Room Set-Up