Accessible Events: Tips for ADA-Friendly Planning

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��Ƶ values diversity and seeks to promote access to employment and educational opportunities. As such, it is committed to full compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq. (“Section 504”) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 1201-12213 as amended (“ADA”), and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and students with disabilities to allow for full participation in the University’s employment and educational programs and activities

Why Accessibility Matters

Creates inclusive experiences
Reduces barriers and increases participation
Ensures legal compliance and supports ethical responsibility

Key Definitions

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities.

Digital Accessibility:
The design and development of digital content, tools, and technologies that can be used by people with a wide range of disabilities. It ensures that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, as outlined in the WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

WCAG 2.1:
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 covers a wide range of recommendations for making web content more accessible. Following these guidelines will make content more accessible to a wider range of people with disabilities.

Alt Text:
A written description of an image that is added to digital content to help people who use screen readers understand what the image shows. It also displays in place of an image if it fails to load.

Public Accommodations:
An entity that provides goods or services to the public. The ADA prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on disability.

ADA Title II:
Requires equal access to public services, including education for students with disabilities.

Complying with ADA Requirements

Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public life, including events.
Reasonable Accommodations: Respond promptly and at no cost to attendees
Program Accessibility: Entire event must be accessible, not just specific areas
Avoid Segregation: Integrate accessible spaces and services throughout events
Physical Access: Entrances, restrooms, parking, and seating must meet ADA standards
Effective Communication: Provide auxiliary aids and services (i.e. interpreters,
captioning, Braille or large print, assistive listening devices as needed)
Know the Law: ADA ensures equal access to programs, services and events

Physical Access

Confirm ramps, elevators, and doors are functional
Ensure routes are smooth, not slippery; consider non-slip doormats
Avoid crushed stone, gravel, and grated surfaces on pathways
Avoid thick carpets or uneven flooring
Provide accessible parking or shuttle service
Ensure emergency exits accommodate all guests
Provide ADA designed restroom facilities

Stadium Seating

At least one percent of all stadium seating must be wheelchair seating locations.
A companion seat must be provided next to each wheelchair seating location.
Removable or folding seats can be provided in wheelchair seating locations for use by persons who do not use wheelchairs.
If more than 300 seats are provided, wheelchair seating must be provided in more than one location, dispersed seating.

Hearing & Vision

Use microphones
Provide assistive listening devices or hearing loops
Hire American Sign Languages (ASL) interpreters when requested
Use closed-captioning on recordings and real-time captioning (CART) for presentations
Minimize background noise
Avoid flashing or moving imagery and strobe lights
Avoid visual movement in presentations
Use accessible fonts and avoid all capital letters

Layout Design

Ensure use of handrails and ramps for raised surfaces
Provide adequate aisle spacing
Provide wheelchair cutouts and companion seating
Provide furniture with varying heights
Counters should not exceed 36 inches
Consider all sight lines Use trip guards to cover wires

Wheelchair Key Measurements

Spacing

Ramp slope: 1" to 12" max
Floor space for Wheelchair: 48" x 30" minimum
Pivoting turn space: 60" minimum diameter

Aisles

Aisles should be a minimum of 36” between tables or for one way traffic and 60” for two-way traffic
Wheelchair spaces adjoin accessible routes
Accessible routes should not overlap wheelchair spaces

The ADA defines a disability as: “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.” Severe food allergies can impair eating, digesting, and even breathing during an allergic reaction.

Considerations

Collect allergy information during registration
Clearly label ingredients and allergens
Offer pre-plated meals
Offer packaged allergen-safe options with labels
Prevent cross-contact
Train staff on precautions and emergency response

food allergy

Visit the Food Allergy Friendly page for more information.

Refer to the University's Digital Accessibility Page.

Consider including this statement on marketing materials:

For questions about accessibility or to request an accommodation, please contact the Office of Event Services & Campus Center Operations 609.652.4878 or event.services@stockton.edu at least 5 business days in advance of your participation or visit.