Accessibility at Community Events

The city of Salt Lake City expects event organizers, city staff, and the public to approach the planning of community events with the utmost in creativity and adaptability to ensure both full and equal participation and accessibility by all members of the community.

It is the event organizers’ responsibility to comply with all city, state, and federal accessibility requirements, including the provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  The ADA mandates equal access to facilities, services and programs for persons with disabilities, as well as ensuring them comprehensive civil rights protection. 

To assist in this effort, the following “Community Events Accessibility Checklist” is provided as a guide for event organizers.  Also, “Special Events” coordinated and approved by the Special Events Coordinator require completion of the ADA Special Event Application. Page two of that application has detailed ADA Awareness Material.

• All event sites, both indoor and outdoor, temporary event venues, and permanent facilities and    structures used for Community Events in Salt Lake City must be accessible to people with disabilities, or reasonable accommodations made.  If any portion of the event area cannot be made accessible, an alternative area must be provided with the same activities. 
   

• The alternative site cannot be offered only to patrons with disabilities. 

Is the entrance accessible?   

People with disabilities should be able to arrive on the site, approach the building or event area and enter as freely as any participant, including those without disabilities.   

• Is the route of travel stable, firm and slip resistant?

• Is the route at least 48 inches wide?

• If there are stairs at the main entrance, is there also a ramp or lift, or is there an alternative accessible entrance?

• Do all inaccessible entrances have signs indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrance?

• Can the alternate accessible entrance be used independently?

Are all paths of travel accessible? 

• Curb ramps must be clear of any obstructions, including concessions, portable toilets, trashcans, vendors, barriers, etc., at all times. 

• Clear path of travel on all walkways and paths used for pedestrian travel must be a minimum of 48 inches, with 60 inches preferred.

•  Is there a 5-foot circle or T-shape space for turning a wheelchair completely at “dead-ends,” corners, turns and in front of booths and counters?

• Do curbs on the route have curb cuts at parking and drop-off locations? 

• Cabling or wiring crossing the path of travel must be covered by a complying resilient cable ramping system usable by persons using wheelchairs.  If tape is used to anchor any cabling/wiring in the path of travel, colored tape is required.

• All public staging areas (e.g. stages, trailers, tents, hands-on displays, etc.) must have the appropriate ramping for access.  Ramping must conform to ADA regulations, which require the least degree of slope possible.  Maximum allowable slope is 1:12. 

• All barriers must be detectable by persons using a white cane (no more than 27 inches from the surface) and they must be highly visible.

A word about Guide Dogs . . . . .               

While dogs and other pets may  be prohibited at an event, Guide Dogs and other service animals are permitted by law. They are not considered pets, must not be interfered with, and must be allowed to accompany the person to all activities.   

Is the parking accessible?       

There is a graduated scale for the number of accessible parking spaces required under the American with Disabilities Accessibilities Guidelines (ADAAG). Use this table for guidance. 

• At least one space in every eight accessible spaces must be van accessible, with one space always the minimum. 

• The path of travel in the parking area must remain clear (no signage can obstruct the path of travel).

• If a map of the event is provided, accessible parking areas with a path of travel is to be clearly illustrated.   

• If using temporary parking, or modifying the parking in an existing lot or structure, please refer to the more detailed Accessible Parking Guide.   

Are the restrooms accessible?  

• When restrooms are open to the public, they must be accessible to people with disabilities.

• Accessible restrooms must be provided!  Each bank of portable toilets must have at least one accessible toilet for every ten.  If less than ten are used, there must be a minimum of one that is accessible.    

• All accessible and usable toilets shall be placed on level sites with a minimum 48-inch clear path of travel to the accessible toilet entrance, as measured from the toilet’s attached ramp base and shall have a 60-inch turning radius inside the portable toilet.   

• Hand-washing facilities must also be accessible.         

 Are the tables in the eating areas and concession stands accessible?

• Five percent (5%) of all tables in eating areas must be accessible.

• All concessions, vendors, etc., shall be placed on an appropriate firm surface to adequately allow use by people with disabilities.

• A portion of all concession counter spaces must be a maximum 34 inches high and a minimum 36 inches in length.   

 Is the signage accessible?  

• Directional signage must be provided in highly contrasting colors, such as white on black or black on white.

• Signage shall be placed so pedestrian flow will not obstruct its visibility.

• Characters should be sized between 5/8 and 2 inches high.

 Click here for a PDF version of this checklist.