The Power of Information, Part 2 (Indoor Events)

By Elanah Sherman

Last month’s Opening Spaces described information templates for hikes. This month, we consider templates for indoor events.

In addition to facts about parking and communication, this template may also provide information on, among other things, ramps, entry doors, and bathrooms. Regarding architectural features, we will sometimes use compliance language, but only if the person doing the advance evaluation is knowledgeable about the requirements. If multiple tables are to be used, we make sure there will be adequate space for circulating around the room.

Signs indicating accessibility, like those found at parking spaces or on bathroom doors, are not necessarily accurate. This means we generally measure and look up the standards. It’s a time-consuming process, but once we find a good location for an event, we will probably go back there again and again.

An adequate evaluation of an indoor space takes up a lot of room on the page.  Augmenting brief written information with photographs is helpful, and brings some graphic relief to the page, as well. We always end our templates with an offer of more information; if we’re describing an indoor space, we may get more specific in the offer. Below is an example:

Parking: Parking is located both in front of and behind the building. Three spaces marked accessible are in front; one compliant accessible space is in back. (See photographs.)

Structure: Level entrances are in front and back. (See photographs.) Bathrooms have several accessibility features.

Communication: This event will be amplified by microphone. For sign language interpretation, please submit your request at least five business days before the date of the event.

If you need more information about the accessibility of this event, including details about bathrooms, please contact [name and contact information].

Image caption: This room, used here by Avalonia for a publicly advertised event, offered lots of space for configuring seating. Sign language interpretation had been offered. The narration for the power point was richly descriptive for the benefit of anyone with a visual disability. The building itself was accessible, including the bathrooms. On-street accessible parking was available.