Legal Requirements and Best Practices
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Event Accessibility Training course at Stanmore School of Business. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)** #
The ADA is a civil rights law passed in 1990 that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and access to public accommodations, such as events and venues. The ADA sets accessibility standards for new construction and alterations of existing facilities, as well as for communication, transportation, and other aspects of American life.
**Accessibility** #
Accessibility refers to the design and construction of facilities, products, and services that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Accessible events and venues are designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and usable by everyone, including people with mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive, and other impairments.
**Accommodations** #
Accommodations are modifications or adjustments made to policies, practices, or procedures that enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully and equally in events and other activities. Examples of accommodations include providing sign language interpreters, providing large print materials, or allowing service animals in a venue.
**Assistive Listening Systems (ALS)** #
Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) are devices that amplify sound for individuals with hearing loss. ALS can be used in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants, or they can be used independently. ALS include induction loop systems, frequency-modulated (FM) systems, and infrared (IR) systems.
**Braille** #
Braille is a tactile writing system used by people who are blind or visually impaired. Braille consists of raised dots that can be read by touch, and it can be used for labels, signs, menus, and other printed materials.
**Captions** #
Captions are text versions of spoken dialogue and other sounds that are displayed on a screen during a video or multimedia presentation. Captions are used to make audio content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
**Curb Ramps** #
Curb ramps are sloped surfaces that connect a sidewalk to a street and allow people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to safely and easily cross the street.
**Disability** #
Disability is an umbrella term that refers to any impairment, activity limitation, or participation restriction that affects an individual's ability to perform tasks or activities in a typical manner. Disabilities can be physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological, and they can be temporary or permanent.
**Event Accessibility Policy** #
An Event Accessibility Policy is a written statement that outlines the steps an organization will take to ensure that its events are accessible to people with disabilities. The policy should include information about accommodations, assistive listening systems, communication, and other accessibility-related issues.
**Inclusive Design** #
Inclusive Design is a design approach that considers the needs and abilities of all users, regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability. Inclusive Design aims to create products, services, and environments that are accessible, usable, and enjoyable by as many people as possible.
**Large Print** #
Large Print is a type size that is larger than standard print, typically 16 point or higher, and is used for people who have vision impairments. Large print materials can be used for signs, menus, brochures, and other printed materials.
**Mobility Impairments** #
Mobility impairments refer to any condition that affects an individual's ability to move or walk. Mobility impairments can be temporary or permanent, and they can range from mild to severe. Examples of mobility impairments include spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and arthritis.
**Parking** #
Parking refers to the designated spaces for vehicles in a venue or event. Accessible parking spaces should be located close to the entrance, with a clear path of travel, and should be marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA).
**Provision of Services** #
Provision of Services refers to the steps an organization takes to provide services and support to people with disabilities. This may include accommodations, assistive listening systems, communication, and other accessibility-related issues.
**Reasonable Accommodations** #
Reasonable Accommodations are modifications or adjustments made to policies, practices, or procedures that enable individuals with disabilities to participate fully and equally in events and other activities. Reasonable accommodations are required under the ADA and other disability laws.
**Sign Language** #
Sign Language is a visual-manual language used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sign language uses hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions to convey meaning, and it can be used for communication, education, and other purposes.
**Service Animals** #
Service Animals are animals that are trained to perform specific tasks or
functions for individuals with disabilities #
Service animals are permitted in venues and events under the ADA and other disability laws.
**Tactile Signs** #
Tactile Signs are signs that can be read by touch, typically using Braille or raised letters. Tactile signs are used for wayfinding, orientation, and other purposes in accessible facilities.
**Universal Design** #
Universal Design is a design approach that aims to create products, services, and environments that are accessible, usable, and enjoyable by as many people as possible, regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability. Universal Design is based on the principles of equity, flexibility, simplicity, and intuitive use.
**Visual Impairments** #
Visual impairments refer to any condition that affects an individual's ability to see, including blindness, low vision, and color blindness. Visual impairments can be temporary or permanent, and they can range from mild to severe.
**Web Accessibility** #
Web Accessibility refers to the design and development of websites and web applications that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. Web Accessibility includes the use of alternative text, closed captions, keyboard navigation, and other accessibility-related features.
**Wheelchair Accessible Seating** #
Wheelchair Accessible Seating refers to the designated seating areas for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Wheelchair accessible seating should be located in various areas of the venue, with a clear path of travel and adequate space for maneuvering.
**Wheelchair Lifts** #
Wheelchair Lifts are mechanical devices that can be used to transport individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices between different levels of a venue or event. Wheelchair lifts can be used for stages, platforms, and other elevated surfaces.
**Wheelchair Ramps** #
Wheelchair Ramps are sloped surfaces that can be used to provide access to buildings, vehicles, and other areas for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Wheelchair ramps should be designed and constructed in accordance with accessibility standards and guidelines.
** Wheelchair Securement Systems ** #
Wheelchair Securement Systems are devices that are used to secure wheelchairs in place during transportation. Wheelchair securement systems should be designed and installed in accordance with accessibility standards and guidelines.
** Wheelchair Spaces ** #
Wheelchair Spaces are designated areas in venues and events for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Wheelchair spaces should be located in various areas of the venue, with a clear path of travel and adequate space for maneuvering.
** Wide Doors ** #
Wide Doors are doors that are at least 32 inches wide, which is the minimum width required for accessibility under the ADA and other disability laws. Wide doors provide sufficient space for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices to pass through.
** Workplace Accommodations ** #
Workplace Accommodations are modifications or adjustments made to the work environment, policies, or practices that enable individuals with disabilities to perform their job duties. Workplace accommodations are required under the ADA and other disability laws.