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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take a long and well organized look…

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

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

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

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

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

TESTING THE CONCEPT…

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

An uninterrupted path connecting site elements…

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

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

Things to consider... 12/7/2018

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

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

RESOURCES US Department of Justice at 202-514-0301 provides excellent technical assistance regarding policies. Visit their website at www.ada.gov. US Access Board provides excellent information regarding spaces and places, whether built or shaped by humans. Call 202-272-0080 or visit their website at www.access-board.gov.

John McGovern at WT Group Accessibility Practice Questions about programs, policies, existing sites, or new sites can be answered at 224-293-6451. John is at john.mcgovern@rac-llc.com.

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

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!