Accessibility Guide: Environment

MDOL provides a variety of workshops both at our facilities and outside facilities for a variety of our participants. In the field we have less control over environmental issues than we do when offering workshops at Career Centers or other MDOL sites. When planning a workshop, training or event, be prepared from the beginning.

Choosing a Site:

  • Accessible parking should be available
  • Path from parking area to building should be a minimum of 36 inches wide
  • The site should have a wheel chair accessible public entrance and restrooms
  • Facility should be on the State list of accessible venues.

The Room:

  • The room should be on the first floor or a floor served by an elevator
  • Close doors and windows to minimize distractions and noise
  • Set up tables and chairs so that those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can enter the room and find a place without the need to move furniture or equipment (minimum of 36 inch wide maneuvering clearance)
  • Tables should be high enough to accommodate a wheel chair (minimum height of 28 inches knee space)
  • Arrange display or screens at far end of room, away from windows and out of direct sunlight
  • Keep room at a comfortable temperature without using portable fans or heaters, which make it difficult to hear
  • Ensure cord and easels are not tripping hazards in walkways

Lighting:

  • Lighting should be bright enough for people to navigate the space
  • When projecting images or presentations, dim only the area over the screen
  • Interpreters, if used, should be situated where the lighting is adequate

General

  • Provide mats on rainy or snowy days to keep the floors as dry as possible. Make sure that mats don’t bunch up
  • If special assistance is needed or knowledge is needed to enter, provide staff and signage where appropriate

Checklist:

  • Is the main entrance accessible by wheelchair?
  • Are routes to the room 36 inches wide or wider outside?
  • Inside, are the corridors and aisles at least 36 inches wide?
    • If not, is there signage indicating location of nearest accessible entrance?
    • Can it be used independently?
  • Is an auxiliary sound system available or outlets for equipment such as FM-listening equipment?
  • Are table tops or counters minimum 28 inches clearance beneath?
  • Is there an accessible bathroom available?
    • If not, is there signage indicating the location of the accessible bathr

Last Minute options:

  • Move tables and chairs to allow individual access to the room
  • Use blocks of wood or paper to raise table to accommodate a wheelchair (be sure it’s stable)
  • Change location

References / More information: