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Meeting Accessibility Checklist

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities with respect to terms and conditions of employment. The attached checklist will assist you in planning an accessible event. People with disabilities planning to participate in the activity, may request a number of different accommodations. Some accommodations will relate to the physical accessibility of the event location while others may relate to communications, equipment and other auxiliary aids and services as requested, and based on the person's needs. If your facility or meeting/training/event location is inaccessible, an alternate location should be designated to accommodate attendees with special needs. Information on how to request an accommodation, including your agency phone and TTY numbers, should be included in the announcements for the function.

Element	Accommodation Area	Yes	No
General	Do you know your agency's responsibility to provide accessibility to persons with disabilities?
Transportation	Is the facility/meeting location accessible by public transportation? If yes, is public transportation available at the time of your meeting/training?
Evacuation	Do you know the emergency evacuation plans for the meeting/training location?
Parking	Does the building have accessible (handicap) parking spaces? If yes, are they at least 8' wide & have 5' aisles next to them?
Sidewalk/ Walkway	Are there unobstructed curb ramps leading to the sidewalk (walkway)?
	Is there a walkway from the parking lot to the building, at least 36" wide?
	Does the walkway have a stable and firm surface?
	If the accessible route is different from the primary route to and through the building, can you post signs with the wheelchair symbol to show the route? Is the walkway level and free of steps? If no, is there a ramp at least 36"wide? If there is a ramp, does it have a gentle slope (1" rise to 12" length)?
Entrance/Doors	Is the door at least 32" wide? (wide enough for a wheelchair?)
	Can the hardware be operated with one hand (lever, push plate, etc.), w/ a minimum of twisting or grasping?
	Are the handles low enough to reach? (Maximum 48" high)
	Can the door be pushed open easily?
	Is the threshold no more than 1/2" high and beveled?
	When a vestibule, is there a min. of 48" between the sets of doors?
Floors	Are the floors hard and not slippery?
Floors	Is there a floor mat to dry feet & crutch tips to prevent slipping?
Corridors	Is there a 36" corridor, from the entrance to where the meeting/training is held?
Corridors	Is the path free of objects projecting 4" max. into the corridor?
Elevators	Is there an elevator in the facility where the meeting/training room is located? If yes, is it a working one that is large enough for a wheelchair?
	Are the controls within reach (max. 48")? Do the controls have braille?
	Is there an audible signal ringing at each floor?
	Is there an audible two-way emergency communication system in the elevator?
Meeting/ Training Rooms	Is there enough clearance around the table for a wheelchair to move?
Meeting/ Training Rooms	Can the wheelchair pull under the edge of the table to sit close?
Restrooms	Is there a wide, accessible path to the restrooms?
	Is there a toilet stall wide enough that a wheelchair can enter & close the door behind? Interior space to turn around? Is the water closet (toilet) 17-19 inches high to the rim?
	Can the wheelchair roll under the sink (29 inches to the bottom)?
	Can the faucets be reached and turned on easily?
	Are the dispensers (soap, towel, etc.) reachable? (max. 48" high).
	Is there a mirror at an accessible height (bottom of the mirror 44" above the floor)?
Interpreters	Do you know how to arrange for sign language interpreters? (You must ask the participant the type of interpretation needed)
Telephone	Is there a Teletype unit (TTY) in your facility/agency? If yes, is the number published on the announcements alongside the phone number? Is the staff in your agency trained to use the TTY? Can the TTY be used by those attending your meeting/training?
Telephone	Does the staff know how to use the Virginia Relay Center (1-800-828-1140)?
Assistive Listening System (ALS)	Does your facility have permanent assistive listening system? If yes, do you know how to use it?
Assistive Listening System (ALS)	Do you know how to arrange for an ALS (permanent, portable and rental)? (You must ask the participant the type of system & listening accessory needed)
Captioning	Do you know how to arrange for captioning or computer assisted note-taking services?
Videotapes	Do the videotapes or other broadcast programming materials that you may be using during your meeting/training, carry captioning?
Fire Alarm	Are there flashing fire alarm signals in the building? In the meeting/training room?
Directions	Can you provide clear, detailed directions to the facility and/or the meeting room?
Directions	Is there a receptionist to offer assistance? (If not, can someone be available to help?)
Handouts	Can you provide the meeting/training materials in alternative formats if requested? (You must ask the participant what format is needed)
Signage	Is there braille text in the signage at the facility?
Lighting	Is there adequate lighting in the elevators, hallways, stairwells, etc.?

The Office of Equity Programs and the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board have developed this checklist. If you have questions, or need this checklist in an alternative format, please call Equity Programs at 703-324-2207, TTY 703-222-5494.

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Meeting Accessibility Checklist