For most meetings or community events reviewing a simple checklist can ensure accessibility to persons with disabilities. Accessibility refers to (1) the ability to make use of written and spoken information and (2) the ability to make use of the physical site, itself.

1. There is a specific person in charge of making this event/meeting accessible.
2. A site survey has been completed to ensure physical accessibility and to provide accurate information.
3. The invitation or announcement includes a statement that the site is wheelchair accessible.
4. The announcement indicates that written and spoken information (including the invitation or announcement, itself) are available in alternative formats upon request by a specific date (72 hours at least), i.e. sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, print materials in large print or on computer diskette, etc.
5. The announcement includes a request that attendees refrain from wearing scented products in order to make the event accessible to persons with respiratory impairments or multiple chemical sensitivities.
6. The announcement includes information about accessible parking, if it is available and/or nearby accessible public transportation.
7. A contact person is identified on the announcement for questions or information regarding accommodations. If a registration form is used, there is a place for persons with disabilities to make their needs known.

1. If parking is provided, there should be reserved parking places that are clearly marked with the access symbol.
2. There should be an unobstructed path of travel from the parking space to the curb cut to the building entrance or the event area.
3. The entrance to the building should be at least 32" wide in order to accommodate a wheelchair user. The doorway threshold should be no higher than 1/2". The entrance door(s) should open easily (automatic doors or levered handles; minimal pressure).
4. Directional signs should be in large print or braille.
5. Building corridors should be at least 36" wide and free of obstructions.
6. The meeting room or event area should be on the building entry floor or accessible by elevator. If the event is an open-air event, it should be held on a flat outside surface.
7. Any ramped or steep areas should be sloped 1:10-1:12, must be durable (for portable ramps) and should have handrails on either side.
8. There should be brailled numbers on the elevator control panels.
9. The meeting room entry should be a minimum of 32" wide, with a threshold no higher than 1/2" and with easily opened door(s).
10. For open air events, there should be flat-surface area(s) for viewing/participation which has an accessible path of travel.
11. The drinking fountains should be no higher than 48" from the floor or if higher, then drinking cups should be provided.
12. Telephones should be no higher than 48" from the floor and be equipped with sound amplifiers. TDD's should be available.
13. There should be accessible restroom facilities near the meeting/event. In order to be accessible, a restroom facility should have the following factors:
    
    
    1. signage to indicate accessibility
    2. entries free from obstructions
    3. doorways with 32" minimum clearance width
    4. doorway threshold no higher than 1/2"
    5. easily opened door(s)
    6. restroom stall door which swing outward; at least 32" clearance width.
    7. stall at least 36" wide, 60" deep
    8. grab bars in stall
    9. raised commode 17-19" from floor
    10. faucets with lever type handles
    11. basin with 30" clearance underneath and wrapped pipes
    12. towel racks and mirrors no higher than 40" from floor

1. Print materials to be used at the event/meeting should be available in advance, on request.
2. Seating space should be set up with intermittent seating for wheelchair users (remove chairs).
3. Cleaning staff should be instructed not to use any products with chemical deodorizers or otherwise strongly scented at least 24 hours before the event/meeting.
4. Arrangements should be made to remove scented deodorizers from restrooms at least 24 hours before the event/meeting.
5. When doors which are difficult to open cannot be adjusted, assistance should be provided at the door during the event.
6. Films and slide shows should be captioned, whenever possible.
7. Microphones, speaker's table, podium, stage area should be accessible with accessible paths to reach them, as appropriate.
8. If sign language interpreters will be used, they should be provided an advance copy of the materials presented at the event/meeting, whenever possible.
9. Visual aids which are to be presented should be used with a brief oral narrative.

Event Accessibility Note
Many hotels, convention sites and event areas have sound enhancement systems available for your use. Check with them. Also review with them the physical accessibility and event logistics checklists.

1. Sign language interpreters will be available upon request. Please contact ____________________ at ___________________, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting/event.
2. A sound enhancement system will be available at the meeting/event.
3. Minutes of the meeting are available in large print/tape form and/or readers upon request. If you require the use of a reader, please contact ___________________ at ________________, at least 72 hours in advance of need.
4. To allow individuals with environmental illness to attend the meeting/event, individuals are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.
5. The meeting/event will be held at ______________________. The closest accessible BART station is located at ___________________. Accessible MUNI lines serving this location are ______________________.
6. There is accessible parking available at the following location:
7. Accessible integrated seating for persons with disabilities (including those using wheelchairs) will be available.
8. For additional information about the meeting/event prior to the meeting, people who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the office on the following TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) phone line ________ or by using the California Relay Service at 1-800-735-2929.

1. Braille is a system of exact translation of printed letters into raised dots which can be used by fingertips. There are two grades of braille commonly used: Grade 1 translates every single character, while Grade 2 is a shorthand-like translation. Grade 2 is the preferred form by most consumers.
2. Large print is print enlarged for persons with visual disabilities and persons with learning disabilities. On the personal computer font size of 18 to 24 point will produce large print. For printers and typewriters, there are large print wheels that will produce large print. For directional signs and door markings, raised letters and numerals 5/8" high or larger should be used. The font should be "boxy," so that letters and numerals do not connect when enlarged.
3. Audiotaped materials can be produced by a reader/recorder who records written materials according to specific standards set by the Library of Congress Talking Book Program.
4. Computer diskettes is another format which can be utilized by visually impaired individuals, and those with certain learning disabilities, who have access to computers with voice output and/or text enlargement capabilities.
5. Transcription services are provided by a typist who types aurally presented material in a typewritten form. The user sits beside the transcriber and reads the typed text.
6. Assistive listening devices are devices that amplify sound. A transmitter hooked into the public address system transmits sound waves. The user receives the waves through a small receiver and can adjust amplified sound to his/her needs. Portable systems are available. Different kinds of headsets are available for persons using hearing aids, as well.
7. Open and closed captioning provides written text on the lower portion of the screen of films, videotapes, slides and public service announcements, and any other audiovisual programming.
8. Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD), sometimes called TTY, is a telephone communications unit that an individual uses by typing words in place of using voice. The caller and the receiver of the call must both have a TDD to communicate with each other. However, in the event that one party does not have a TDD, an alternative is to use the California Relay Service where an operator is available to translate for the party without the TDD. The relay operators serve as the go-between and are available at the following numbers:
   
   (800) 735-2929 (TDD caller to Non-TDD receiver)
   
   (800) 735-2922 (Non-TDD caller to TDD receiver)
   
   
9. Sign language interpreters translate audio text into American Sign Language. Interpreters should be certified as "ASL Proficient". Meetings or events over two hours in length require two interpreters to allow for rotation. The following agencies can be contacted for hiring a sign interpreter:
   
   BACA - (415) 693-5880 (one week notice requested)
   
   Hands On - (800) 900-9478
   
   Hired Hands - (510) 659-1882