Accessible PracticesAssessment

Example #1

ADAAG: Effective Communication 4.3200
ADA Priority: #4
Institutional Priority: #
Location: Not applicable

Areas to Address
Make information in bimonthly newsletter accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.

References
ADAAG: 4.3200
Fact Sheet 2: Providing Effective Communication, pp. 3-4
Tab 21 and Tab 22 in Design for Accessibility
Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibition Design, Appendix A3
Everyone's Welcome, pp. 13-15, 25 & 27, 52, 123

Staff and Others Responsible
Sharon Winnicki, Arts Education and Accessibility Coordinator

Budgetary Considerations
Staff Time: $__
Phone, etc: $__
Printing: $__
Recording: $__
Putting newsletter on disk: $__
Supplies: $__

Steps to Reach Solutions, Begin Date, and Expected Completion Date

• Collect samples of alternate formats (large print, Braille, audio tape, disk) produced in-house and by other organizations. Talk with staff responsible for administering these services. Begin: March 2000. Expect complete: May 2000.
• Consult with potential users; use collection of samples of alternate formats as basis for conversation. Begin: April 2000. Expect complete: June 2000.
• Research providers of alternate formats, including costs and time needed to produce the materials. Research feasibility of producing various alternate formats in-house. Begin: May 2000. Expect complete: June 2000.
• Decide which format(s) best suit the needs of users and of science center. Decide who will produce the format(s). Begin: June 2000. Expect complete: July 2000.
• Send electronic and hard copies of newsletters to alternate format provider to produce audio tape. Begin: As soon as available after final printing. Expect complete: Ongoing, start with Sep/Oct 2000 issue.
• Produce copies of each newsletter on disk in a format that is compatible with computer readers. Begin: As soon as final copy is available. Expect complete: Ongoing, start with Sep/Oct 2000 issue.

Example #2

ADAAG: Horizontal Circulation, #4.3
ADA Priority: # 2
Institutional Priority: # 4
Location: Gallery 5

Areas to Address and Steps to Reach Solutions

• To address: Too narrow in 3 spots for a person with a mobility limitation to pass. Solution: Move furniture to widen route or create an alternate route that still provides access to all exhibits to circumvent tight spots.
• To address: 2 dead ends without sufficient maneuvering clearance to turn. Solution: Move furniture to open up dead ends, widen space to allow a 5' turning diameter or provide an alternative experience to the exhibits that are inaccessible.
• To address: 4 protruding objects at less than 80" above the floor. Solution: Move the protruding objects back away from the circulation route or place cane detectable barriers under the protrusions

References
Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibitions, pp. 41-46
Everyone's Welcome, pp. 60-69

Staff and Others Responsible
Sara Simon, Manager of Exhibits and Sam Newton, Head of Operations

Budgetary Considerations
Staff time

Begin Date
June 2000

Expected Completion Date
August 2000

Example #3

ADAAG: Horizontal Circulation, #4.3
ADA Priority: # 1
Institutional Priority: # 2
Location: Main lobby, first floor

Areas to Address
Hanging mobile does not allow minimum headroom (80 inches).
Mats too thick.

References
Readily Achievable Checklist, pp. 8-9; Access to Goods and Services, Accessible Route, ADAAG 4.3, p. 15; Also see Appendix 4.3
Everyone's Welcome, Chapter 3: p. 60 "Getting Around in the Museum", p. 61 "Accessible Route", p. 62 seven basic features

Steps to Reach Solutions, Begin Date, and Expected Completion Date

• Make list of areas to address. Begin: June 2000. Expect complete: July 2000.
• Hold planning meetings with appropriate staff. Begin: July 2000. Expect complete: August 2000.
• Make no cost changes (e.g., portable tables during events) and place on maintenance schedule (e.g., replacements of mats in lobby). Reposition mobile. When replace mats, select new ones with maximum pile thickness of 1/2 inch. Begin: August 2000. Expect complete: September 2000.

Staff and Others Responsible
Joyce Bird, Facilities Manager, and Sam Newton, Access Coordinator

Budgetary Considerations
General operating budget
Access budget line
In house maintenance
Outside estimates

This web site is not intended to offer legal, architectural, engineering, or similar professional advice. Refer specific questions to an attorney or an ADA authority.

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