Some organizations have business models that focus on special events. Other companies occasionally hold special events to attract investors, launch new products or generate revenue in a unique way. Regardless of why an organization intends to host a special event, accessibility can be an important consideration.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that businesses, including organizations planning special events, provide fair access even to those with disabling medical conditions. How can event organizers better ensure that an upcoming event is accessible?
Make ticketing accessible
Many special events require online ticket purchases or reservations. Businesses need to ensure that their websites are accessible to those with disabling medical conditions. They may also need to offer alternate means of securing tickets, such as in-person purchases or phone support.
Consider access, mobility and barriers
Most modern event spaces already feature design elements intended to improve accessibility. They have wheelchair-accessible parking, ramps at entrances, handicap-accessible bathroom stalls and other accommodations. Ensuring that the various elements of the special event are accessible even for those who rely on wheelchairs, crutches or canes for mobility is important. Guests with disabling medical conditions should have access to the same basic amenities as everyone else attending.
Make the event itself accessible
Accessibility goes beyond the ability to navigate the event space. Special events often feature elements such as musical performances, guest lectures or film screenings. Each of those unique offerings requires accessibility accommodations. For example, in a scenario involving a film screening, lecture or musical performance, sign language interpretation may be necessary for guests with impaired hearing. There may need to be accessibility options for those with visual impairment as well. Either human services, such as sign language interpreters, or technological solutions, such as apps that provide closed captioning services, could help ensure that the event is appropriately accessible.
The exact steps necessary to ensure an accessible event depend on the location and the actual details of the event itself. Discussing planned events with a skilled legal team can help businesses to better ensure ADA compliance during ticket sales, event reservations and an event itself. Otherwise, failing to address accessibility might lead to an ADA lawsuit that either prevents the event from occurring or undermines the economic benefits derived from the special event.