1. ACCESSIBLE SPECIAL EVENTS...YOU GOT THIS?
Presented at the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association Southern Leisure Management and Trends Institute on February 2, 2018

2. Prepared and Presented by John N
Prepared and Presented by John N. McGovern, JD, Owner and Principal, WT Group Accessibility Practice
Want this PowerPoint? McGovern at or do it the old- fashioned way and exchange business cards.
12/7/2018

3. CONTENT Discuss the ADA obligations in general
Highlight thirteen special event accessibility considerations
Talk about a case study and enforcement in general
Provide SCRPA SLM&TI attendees with resources

4. GENERAL ADA CONCEPTS Comprehensive federal civil rights law
New construction requirements apply to special events
Circulation routes for people with and without disabilities should be the same
Lean towards yes…no is never the right first answer

5. US vs STATES??
The ADA became law to catch up with states with civil rights laws regarding disability
If a state, county, or city has a more stringent requirement for an asset such as parking, it must be followed, otherwise, the ADA rules
Incidence of disability is rising…this is likely to be the case for the next several decades, in every state

6. AUTHORITIES US DOJ title II regulation
2010 Standards for Accessible Design
Your own state, county, or city access code

7. 1. AWARENESS Knowing access is needed is half the battle
Make concessionaires, vendors, volunteers, and staff aware that access MUST exist, no exceptions
Print and online marketing materials must reference event access
Have a go-to staff member

8. 2. PREPARATION Access Sub-Committee of committee planning the event
Training
Checklists
Inspection process
NEP (no excuses policy)

9. 3. TEAMWORK
Every member of the planning committee, every member working the event, is responsible for access…just like risk management
Network with local advocacy groups
Event goals and access coexist when access is integrated

10. 4. PLANNING Site access audit before the event
Make retrofits to remove barriers
Access issues discussed on every committee, on every agenda
Experienced and knowledgeable access expert

11. Take a long and well organized look…

12. 5. COMMUNICATION Assisted listening systems
On-site sign language interpreter(s)
Visual message boards
Red vest staff leaders

13. 6. ATTITUDE
Like awareness, this “A” word makes or breaks your special event
Build a culture that makes access a value, not a challenge
Make it crystal clear that access is a priority, and do so by revoking permits for vendors that fail to comply or not using volunteers who don’t comply

14. 7. SERVICE ANIMALS Anywhere pedestrians can go How many species?
Two questions you can ask, but only one you should ask
Trained to do a task, housebroken, and under control
See US DOJ advisory here

16. 8. OTHER POWER DRIVEN MOBILITY DEVICES
Anywhere a pedestrian can, neutral rules only
Two questions you can ask, but only one you should ask
See the US DOJ advisory on OPDMD at this link

18. 9. LAYOUT Maneuvering clearance adjacent to entries
Reach range for operable parts, service counters max 48”
Connect site assets
Seating critical, title III permits temporary accessible seating

19. TESTING THE CONCEPT…

20. 10. ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
Minimum 36” wide with passing or rest spaces, prefer 60” wide
Firm, stable, and slip resistant
Changes in level <.25” and gaps <.5”
Temporary surfaces may be an option

21. An uninterrupted path connecting site elements…

22. 11. SIGNAGE Where: side of door, height
Directional or informational signs
Signs for permanent spaces
Events 7 days or less? No need to comply with section 216

23. 12. EMERGENCIES Emergency text number Evacuation
Fire rated doors lead to an accessible route away from the facility
Evacuation sleds for buildings (haunted house?)

24. Things to consider...
12/7/2018

25. 13. FLEXIBILITY Is there ever a reason you can’t say yes?
Things and technology changes…make sure you change too
Do not repeat the mistakes of others
Follow court and administrative decisions

26. RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Wheelchair user
Shops and booths not accessible
Ramps too steep, inaccessible ticket booths
Provide accessible restrooms and phone and pay civil penalty

27. RESOURCES
US Department of Justice at provides excellent technical assistance regarding policies. Visit their website at
US Access Board provides excellent information regarding spaces and places, whether built or shaped by humans. Call or visit their website at

28. John McGovern at WT Group Accessibility Practice
Questions about programs, policies, existing sites, or new sites can be answered at
John is at

29. WANT THIS POWERPOINT? Email john.mcgovern@rac-llc.com

30. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!