Accessibility of a given environment or event
Here is a simple accessibility checklist that can be used to assess the accessibility of a given environment or event:
- Is the entrance to the building wheelchair-accessible, with ramps or elevators?
- Are there accessible parking spaces close to the entrance?
- Are there clear signs and visual cues to guide visitors to the accessible entrance and parking?
- Are there accessible restrooms? Are there handrails and grab bars in the restrooms?
- Is there a clear path of travel throughout the building, with no obstacles or uneven surfaces?
- Are there elevators or ramps to access upper floors?
- Are there accessible seating options at events and meetings?
- Are the materials and information provided, such as handouts, agendas, and brochures, available in alternative formats (large print, braille, audio)?
- Are there assistance devices available such as amplified sound, sign language interpreters or real-time captioning?
Note that this checklist is a starting point and may not be inclusive of all accessibility needs, it’s important to consult with people with disabilities to know more about the accessibility needs and to adapt this checklist accordingly.
Accessibility of a building
Here is a building audit checklist that can be used to assess the accessibility of a building:
- Are the entrances to the building wheelchair-accessible, with ramps or elevators?
- Are there automatic doors at the entrances?
- Are there accessible parking spaces close to the entrances?
- Are the parking spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility?
- Are there clear signs and visual cues to guide visitors to the accessible entrances and parking?
- Are the hallways, corridors and doorways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs?
- Are there elevators or ramps to access upper floors?
- Are there handrails in the stairwells?
- Are the stairwells well-lit? Are there accessible restrooms on each floor?
- Are the toilets in the restroom’s wheelchair-accessible?
- Are there grab bars in the restrooms?
- Are the sinks and faucets in the restroom’s wheelchair-accessible?
- Are there designated accessible changing rooms?
- Are the telephones and other communication devices in the building accessible to people with disabilities?
- Are the fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other safety equipment accessible to people with disabilities?
- Are there visual alarms and strobe lights for people with hearing impairments?
- Are there emergency evacuation plans in place for people with disabilities?
- Are there any areas of the building that are not accessible to people with disabilities?
This checklist can be used as a starting point for an accessibility audit of a building and may not be inclusive of all accessibility needs. It’s important to consult with people with disabilities and experts in accessibility to ensure that the building meets all necessary accessibility standards and requirements.
Accessibility of a school
Here is additional checklist that can be used to assess the accessibility of a school:
- Are the classrooms and other learning spaces accessible and equipped with appropriate assistive technology?
- Are school materials and information provided, such as handouts, agendas, and brochures, available in alternative formats (large print, braille, audio)?
- Are there accommodations in place for students with disabilities during tests and exams?
- Are the playground and other outdoor spaces accessible for children with disabilities?
- Is the school staff trained to provide appropriate support and accommodations for students with disabilities?
This checklist can be used as a starting point for an accessibility audit of a school and may not be inclusive of all accessibility needs. It’s important to consult with people with disabilities and experts in accessibility to ensure that the school meets all necessary accessibility standards and requirements.